Hummingbirds are almost back in GA for 2026. Here’s when to put out your feeders

Caption

Hummingbirds consume an average of two to three times their weight in nectar each day.

Credit: Steve Byland/Dreamstime/TNS

Little fluttering, ruby-throated creatures are coming to Georgia this month.

Hummingbirds can travel more than 3,000 miles during migration and in March, folks in Georgia get to see their tiny wings fly around once more.

But when should you put our feeders? And how else can you attract hummingbirds? Here’s what to know:

When to put out feeders

Some believe you should only put your feeders out during the spring months, but according to Wild Bird Scoop, you can actually leave one out all year:

“Typically, feeders for migrating species should be taken down only after no more hummingbirds are seen for a couple of weeks. Usually, it is safe to remove feeders in November in Georgia. However, if there are year-round occupants in your area, you might also consider leaving your hummingbird feeders out for the entire year to provide for winter residents.”

If you like to only put them out during spring months, Wild Bird Scoop recommends putting them out in February. 

Where to put feeders

Southern Living encourages putting hummingbird feeders near bushes and shrubs because it gives the birds somewhere to rest while they eat. An area with various types of flowers also provide extra nutrition.

How to make hummingbird feed

Here are directions from GA DNR on how to make the best and healthiest hummingbird feed:

• The best solution consists of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water (this mirrors the sugar concentration of the nectar found in flowers). Boil the water for 2 to 3 minutes before adding sugar. Cool and store the mixture in a refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• There is no need to add red food coloring. Hummingbirds are attracted to the red color of the feeder and do not prefer red nectar to clear.
• Select a feeder that is easy to clean and does not drip. In warm weather, change nectar every 2 to 3 days or before it gets cloudy.
• Periodically clean feeders, making sure that mold and bacteria are removed. Feeders can be easily cleaned by soaking them in a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Thoroughly rinse the feeders before using them again.

How to attract hummingbirds

If you don’t normally get many hummingbirds, here are a few tips to get your garden ready for those little wings:

• Red buckeye, bottlebrush buckeye, trumpet honeysuckle, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, bee balm, jewelweed, fire pink, Indian pink and Eastern red columbine are just some of the great native plants to consider in Georgia for a hummingbird-friendly garden.
• Be sure to include plenty of native trees, shrubs and climbers for shade to beat the heat, and include nectar plants and insect attractants that bloom during as much of the year as possible for a wildlife-friendly garden.
• Make sure you have plenty of access to feeders and hummingbird feed.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Macon Telegraph.