Posted by Lizz Maioli on March 27, 2006

Q: I live in Harrisburg PA and would like to know when to put up the humming bird feeder.

A: This is a difficult one to answer precisely since the birds arrive at different times in different areas. I wish I had kept records for the return of "my" hummingbirds over the years (I live in upstate New York) but I haven't. I do know that they arrive in the upper Great Lakes in May and arrive in the Poconos during the first 10 days of May. If you have a local bird club, call them as they'll probably know some arrival dates. To be on the safe side, I'd suggest you put your feeder out in late April. I usually put out my feeder a bit early (early May) with only a small amount of sugarwater so I'm sure it's there when they arrive. Keep in mind that the sugarwater gets moldly within about 10-14 days or so (more quickly in warmer weather)and the bird will refuse to eat it so it needs to be changed to keep it fresh. As soon as the hummers arrive I can begin putting more in the container but I don't fill it since it usually goes "bad" before it's all used up.

> If this is a first-time use of your hummingbird feeder, it will be all the more important for you to have the feeder up and ready before they return. You want them to see it immediately and "know" where it is as they get settled in their territory. If, however, it was used last year for hummers, they'll return and actively look for "your" feeder again this season thus giving you a bit more time to see them and set it up. Good luck to you. Feeding hummingbirds is extremely enjoyable and you and your whole family can enjoy seeing one of our most incredible birds. Thanks for your question.

John Wiessinger ( March 28, 2006)