When To Put Out Hummingbird Feeder In Michigan
Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, and if you live in Michigan, you're in luck because you can attract them to your backyard. But when is the best time to put out a hummingbird feeder? In this article, we'll explore the answer to that question and give you tips on how to attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds are migratory birds, and they travel from South America to North America in the spring to breed. They start their journey in late February or early March and arrive in Michigan around mid-April. They will stay in Michigan until late September or early October when they begin their journey back to South America.
So, the best time to put out a hummingbird feeder in Michigan is in mid-April when these birds arrive in the state. You can leave the feeder out until late September or early October when they start their migration back.
Choosing the Right Feeder
Choosing the right feeder is essential to attract hummingbirds to your yard. There are different types of feeders available in the market, but the most popular ones are the tube feeders and the dish feeders. Tube feeders are tall and have long spouts that hummingbirds can insert their beaks into to drink the nectar. Dish feeders are shallow and have a flat surface where hummingbirds can perch to drink.
You can choose any feeder that you like, but make sure it's easy to clean and has enough capacity to hold the nectar. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, so choose a feeder that's red, orange, or yellow.
Making the Nectar
The nectar is the most crucial element in attracting hummingbirds to your yard. You can buy pre-made nectar from the store, but it's easy and cheaper to make it at home. To make the nectar, mix four parts of water with one part of white granulated sugar.
Boil the mixture for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the nectar cool down before pouring it into the feeder. Don't use honey or artificial sweeteners because they can harm the birds.
Where to Hang the Feeder
Hummingbirds are territorial birds, and they like to feed in a safe and quiet place. Hang the feeder in a shady spot with some cover, like a tree or a shrub. Make sure it's at least five feet off the ground and away from windows or doors to avoid collisions.
You can also hang multiple feeders in different spots to attract more birds. Hummingbirds will visit the feeder repeatedly, so make sure to clean it thoroughly every few days.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Putting out a hummingbird feeder is the first step in attracting these birds to your yard. But there are other things you can do to make your yard more attractive to them. Here are some tips:
- Plant flowers that hummingbirds like, such as bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine.
- Provide a source of water, like a bird bath or a fountain.
- Reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard, as they can harm the birds.
Conclusion
Putting out a hummingbird feeder in Michigan is a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your yard. The best time to put out the feeder is in mid-April when they arrive in the state, and you can leave it out until late September or early October when they start their migration back to South America. Remember to choose the right feeder, make the nectar at home, hang it in a safe and quiet spot, and clean it thoroughly every few days. With these tips, you'll have a yard full of hummingbirds in no time!
Happy Bird Watching!
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