Are hummingbirds in Indiana yet? Keep reading and find out if you missed their season.
The question that is constantly being asked these days is “are hummingbirds in Indiana yet”. Are you ready to find out the answer? This state is known as the Hoosier State and hosts several species of hummingbirds every year. Each year, thousands of hummingbirds migrate across the U.S. and Indiana is just one in a row.
Mother Nature is truly amazing and impresses us with different things every year, and hummingbird migration is certainly the most delightful thing you will ever experience. Therefore, stay with us and find out when and where this is happening.
Are Hummingbirds In Indiana Yet?
Migratory species of hummingbirds arrive in Indiana in the last week of March and early April. Keep in mind that those species that you encountered before the last week in March will be Indiana’s only year-round resident hummingbird, i.e. the Ruby-throated hummingbird.
Some hummingbirds start their spring migration from as far south as Panama which is about 3,500 miles away from this country; therefore, they have to start their spring migration in February in order to arrive in Indiana in late March or early April.
So, if you are wondering “are hummingbirds in Indiana yet”, the answer is yes. They are already there.
As for their stay in the area, some Ruby-throated hummingbirds stay in Indiana year-round. On the other hand, those who migrate leave the country by early November. Only those who are either injured or too old to embark on a new adventure remain to spend the winter in Indiana. Those who choose to leave the country, i.e. migrate from Indiana to Mexico and Central America, usually begin the process in late July, with most leaving by the end of October.
This extended migration period is not unreasonable, it is there to ensure that migrates have enough food to fuel their bodies before making the long taxing migration south for the winter.
Where To Spot Them?
After a positive answer to the question “are hummingbirds in Indiana yet,” most bird watchers strive to find the ideal location to observe. The good thing is that you don’t have to go far at all, you can find them even in your own backyard.
Furthermore, given that spring is the most glorious time of the year in The Hoosier State, it’s no wonder that people often choose to visit Wellfield Botanic Gardens. It’s a collection of a dozen different gardens and is the perfect place for bird watching.
When And Where Should You Set Up Hummingbird Feeders?
Did you know that some hummingbird admirers leave hummingbird feeders up all winter long? They do this to provide nectar to Indiana’s only year-round resident, the Ruby-throated hummingbird, but also to all those other species that have been unable to migrate due to injury or old age.
If you want to lure them into your yard, simply put out a feeder or two. Then you certainly won’t have to wonder “are hummingbirds in Indiana yet” because you’ll be among the first to know the answer.
You can fill your feeders with a sweet solution made from a cup of water and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. It is not advisable to fill them with honey or sweetener, or red coloring because it can be fatal for these delicate birds. There are a few tips and tricks to prevent the decay of nutrient nectar. Namely, you can put the feeder in the shade or cook the solution for a few minutes to slow down the fermentation. Please, note that the feeder needs to be washed and replenished every three days in warmer weather and once a week in colder weather.
Also, do not rush to remove the feeder. Namely, it should be kept outside at least for a fortnight after your last sighting. Those who decide to take this step can enjoy quite sweet fruits. Accordingly, those who leave their feeders for winter might be rewarded by visiting unexpected but amazing guests such as Rufous (Selasphorus Rufus) or Allen’s (Selasphorus Sasin). These two species of hummingbirds occasionally visit this country between November and January.
Where Will They Travel And Will They Ever Return?
After visiting this country, hummingbirds fly further, to the south to winter in countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, etc.
They have an amazing memory, so there is a good chance you will see the same hummingbird in your garden next year. There are records that some hummingbirds have been spotted returning to a feeder for a couple of years even after the feeder has been removed.
In Conclusion
Hummingbirds are truly enticing and magnificent creatures. There is almost no person who is not fascinated by the skill, strength, and beauty of hummingbirds. The hummingbird season in Indiana begins with their arrival in late March and ends at the end of September when they embark on a great migration to the south.
Are hummingbirds in Indiana yet? Yes! Open your windows and listen, maybe you can already hear their beautiful humming.
Hoosiers, friends, and all bird enthusiasts have you already noticed hummingbirds near you? In the comments, write the places where you most like to observe these beautiful creatures.
Take a look at this article as well.