Every spring, Ohioans are treated to the sight of hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower. But when do these tiny birds arrive? It can be hard to tell if it is too early or too late in the season for hummingbirds. Let’s look at when do hummingbirds arrive in Ohio and how you can attract them to your home.
Exploring Ohio
Ohio offers something unique to every visitor. In cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton you can find museums dedicated to art, science, and history as well as modern architecture. You can also take in the beauty of our state parks, lakes, and rivers. The hummingbirds migrate to Ohio when the days are longer and warmer.
Read more: When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Massachusetts?
When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Ohio?
Hummingbirds typically make their way to northern states, such as Ohio, sometime between April and May. Depending on the weather each year, the exact dates may vary slightly but they usually arrive around the same time every year. The arrival of hummingbirds is a sign that spring has finally arrived!
When Do Hummingbirds Leave Ohio?
Hummingbirds typically begin hummingbird migration south sometime in August and September. They will migrate as far south as southern Mexico and Central America for the winter. As the days start to get shorter and cooler, you may notice hummingbirds gathering in large numbers before taking off on their journey south. Most hummingbirds will return to Costa Rica in February or March and will then start their northward journey again.
How Can I Attract Hummingbirds To My Home?
Attracting hummingbirds is easy with a few simple steps. The first thing you want to do is set up a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water solution outside your house. This will provide an easy source of food for them.
Additionally, you can plant flowers such as trumpet vine, bee balm, cardinal flower, or columbine that produce nectar that hummingbirds love. You should also make sure to keep your feeders and plants clean by changing out the sugar water solution every few days and removing any dead flowers or leaves. When done correctly, you should have no trouble attracting these beautiful birds.
Read more: When Should The Hummingbird Feeder Be Put Out?
Types Of Hummingbirds In Ohio
The only species of hummingbirds in Ohio are the ruby-throated hummingbird, black-chinned hummingbird, calliope hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, Allen’s hummingbird, broad-tailed hummingbird, Anna’s hummingbird, Costa’s hummingbird, buff-bellied hummingbird. Each species has its own unique characteristics such as size and coloration. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of small bird native to North America. It is one of the most common and widespread hummingbird species in Ohio, and its range extends from southern Canada down into Mexico. The males have glossy greenbacks with bright red throats, while females are mostly greyish-green with white streaks on their throats. They usually nest near open areas such as meadows or gardens. Male ruby-throats have been known to aggressively defend their territories from other hummingbirds.
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The broad-tailed hummingbird is another species native to North America that can easily be seen in Ohio during certain times of the year. Like the ruby-throated hummingbird, males have dark green backs with a bright red throat patch; however, their throats are more rounded than those of ruby-throated. The females are mostly greyish-green with white streaks on their throats and chests.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is another species that can be seen in Ohio during certain times of year during migration periods. Males have orange backs and tails with black stripes on their heads; females are mostly greyish-green with more subtle orange coloring on their chest feathers. These birds usually inhabit western North America but will sometimes migrate eastward during late summer or early fall months when food supplies become scarce in their normal habitats.
Read more: How Can You Protect Hummingbird Feeders From Pests?
Where To Find Hummingbirds In Ohio?
Here’s a brief overview of the best hummingbird-viewing spots in Ohio.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most popular parks in Ohio, and it’s also a great place to spot hummingbirds. The park is home to two species of hummingbirds—the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird—and they can be seen throughout the year, although they are more common during late spring and early summer. The best way to spot them is by visiting areas with lots of flowers, such as wetlands and meadows, or near sources of water such as ponds and streams.
Hocking Hills State Park
If you’re looking for a scenic place to view hummingbirds, head out to Hocking Hills State Park. This park features lush forests, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls—all perfect places for hummingbirds to thrive. During the summer months, you can find Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flitting around the many wildflowers that bloom throughout the park. In addition to spotting hummingbirds, you can also enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking and camping at Hocking Hills State Park.
Mohican State Park
Located just north of Mansfield, Mohican State Park is known for its spectacular waterfalls and dense forests – both ideal habitats for hummingbirds. The park is home to several species of birds including Ruby-throated Hummingbirds which feed on nectar from wildflowers such as columbine and bee balm which are abundant during late spring through early fall months. In addition to viewing wildlife at this state park, visitors can also go canoeing or fishing on one of its many lakes or take a leisurely hike along one of its trails.
Mississippi River Valley
The Mississippi River Valley is a great place to spot hummingbirds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. The valley is home to a variety of species including Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. The best way to spot them is by visiting areas with a lot of nectar-producing flowers, such as wetlands and meadows.
Read more: Are Hummingbirds Attracted To Red?
Conclusion:
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By providing food, water, and shelter for these birds, you will be able to observe them up close in their natural habitat. You can attract hummingbirds to your Ohio home by setting up a feeder filled with sugar water solution and planting flowers that produce nectar. There are also several great places in the state where you can view these birds such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hocking Hills State Park, Mohican State Park, and the Mississippi River Valley.
Learn more: Are Hummingbirds Endangered?
