Here in Indiana, we eagerly await the return of our local hummingbirds. With their bright colors and delightful chirps, these tiny birds add a splash of life to warm summer days. Knowing when to expect them is key for setting up your feeder and ensuring that you provide plenty of nourishment for these precious avian visitors. In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly when do hummingbirds arrive in Indiana so you can start planning your hummer-friendly landscape now.
When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Georgia?
The exact timing of hummingbird arrival in Georgia varies by hummingbird species, but typically the first migrating hummingbirds arrive in mid-to-late March. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common in Georgia and usually arrives around mid-March.
Male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a distinct black chin and throat patch, with males having a dark edging or sometimes a complete border of iridescent ruby red color. The females, on the other hand, possess white-colored throats usually with faint markings in gray.
Additionally, hummingbirds are well-known for their quick and jerky flight style, as they feed on nectar from flower to flower. Moreover, they tend to hover while feeding, making them easy to spot and thus allowing bird lovers to identify hummingbirds quickly and efficiently.
Calliope Hummingbirds, a much rarer species, arrive in the last week of March. In Georgia, rufous hummingbirds can also be seen during the migration season but are less common than the ruby-throated variety.
Learn More: What Is The Best Hummingbird Feeder? (To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Backyard)
How To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Georgia Yard?
Provide A Source Of Nectar With Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are an essential tool in attracting these birds to your garden. By having a readily available source of nectar, you can ensure that the hummingbirds have enough to eat during their elongated migration time frame. Make sure to refill the feeder regularly and use special “hummingbird nectar” for the best results.
Grow Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Gardens full of native plants provide additional fuel for ruby-throated hummingbirds on their long journey back home from Central America.
The male ruby-throated hummingbird is most easily identified by its bright red throat feathers and white stripes down its neck and head. Some great flower varieties for attracting hummingbirds include bee balm, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and columbine.
Learn More: 6 Best Hummingbird Feeders To Keep Bees Away
Maintain Bird Baths To Keep Birds Hydrated
Georgia hummingbirds need to stay hydrated during hummingbird migration so it’s important to provide bird baths in your garden. Change the water twice a week and make sure that the bath is shallow enough for them to drink without risking getting stuck.
What Are The Best Places To See Hummingbirds?
Many places in the United States are great for hummingbird watching. From state parks to gardens, and even your backyard, there are plenty of options for the avid bird watcher. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to observe hummingbirds in the US.
State Parks
In most states across the country, you can find hummingbirds in various state parks. Different parks offer different habitats that attract different species of birds, so be sure to check what type of birds you should expect when planning your visit.
Gardens
Hummingbirds love flowers, which is why gardens are one of the best places for birdwatchers looking to observe these beautiful creatures up close.
From botanical gardens like Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania) and The Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens (California) to smaller community gardens such as Atlanta Botanical Garden (Georgia), there is something for everyone! Not only do gardens provide an ideal habitat for hummingbirds, but they also often have staff available who can answer questions about birds and other wildlife.
Learn More: Are Hummingbirds Endangered?
Your Backyard
If you’re looking for a more low-key way to admire these feathered friends, try building a hummingbird feeder or planting flowers in your backyard! It is important to note that it may take some time before you start seeing results;
However, if you’re patient enough you may soon have a flock of colorful visitors coming by regularly! Additionally, if your area has native flowering plants or trees such as hibiscus or columbine, be sure to keep an eye out as they may attract visiting hummingbirds too!
Fascinating Facts About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are undeniably one of the most beloved species of birds. Their tiny size, vibrant colors, and ability to hover in place make them a favorite among bird watchers. Of course, hummingbird admirers may not know all there is to know about these amazing creatures. Here are some interesting facts about hummingbirds that may surprise you!
Hummingbirds Can Fly Backwards
Hummingbirds are unlike any other bird when it comes to flight. Not only can they fly forwards, but they can also fly backward!
This incredible feat is made possible by their wings, which beat up and down in an S-shaped pattern rather than side to side like the wings of most birds. Special muscles allow hummingbirds to move their wings in a figure-8 shape, allowing them to move both forward and backward with ease.
Learn More: Male Vs Female Hummingbird: An In-Depth Comparison
Hummingbirds Have Incredibly Rapid Heart Rates
When you think of hummingbirds, you might imagine their tiny wings fluttering at lightning speed—and you wouldn’t be far off! A hummingbird’s heart can beat up to 1,200 times per minute—which is significantly more than any other type of bird.
To put that into perspective, the average human heart rate is only 60–100 beats per minute. That means a hummingbird’s heart could beat 20 times faster than our own!
Hummingbirds Are Extremely Smart
It should come as no surprise that such nimble little birds have extraordinary cognitive abilities. Studies show that hummingbirds can remember particular flowers from day to day and recognize particular feeders from long distances away—sometimes even from hundreds of feet away!
Furthermore, research has found that when food becomes scarce during wintertime, many species of hummingbirds migrate long distances to find sustenance elsewhere.
Learn More: Do Hummingbirds Like Begonias?
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are delightful to watch and add a beautiful touch of color to Georgia’s landscape. Knowing exactly when the hummingbirds arrive can help you get ready for their arrival by setting up your feeders and making sure they’re stocked with plenty of nourishment. With this blog post in mind, you can now plan and enjoy watching these tiny avian visitors whenever the migration season hits Georgia!
