TINY TRAVELERS ON THE HORIZON

Welcoming Hummingbirds Back to Maryland

As the frost begins to fade and the first green shoots of spring emerge in our local gardens, it is time to prepare for the return of our most energetic avian visitors. Welcoming hummingbirds back to Maryland starts with understanding their migration timing; Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically begin their arrival in early to mid-April, with "scouts" often appearing around the first or second week of the month. While the traditional "Tax Day" benchmark of April 15th is when sightings become common, those in Southern Maryland or along the Chesapeake may see these jewel-toned travelers even earlier. Getting your garden ready by late March ensures that the earliest arrivals, who have just completed an exhausting journey across the Gulf of Mexico, have the immediate nourishment they need to thrive.

To give these tiny dynamos a warm welcome, start by cleaning and hanging your feeders a week before you expect them. Use a simple, safe nectar recipe of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar; there is no need for red dye, which can be harmful to their delicate systems. Beyond the feeder, the best way to support hummingbirds is by cultivating a "living buffet" of native plants. Consider adding tubular, nectar-rich favorites like Trumpet Honeysuckle, Wild Columbine, or Bee Balm to your beds. By providing a mix of supplemental feeders and natural forage, you’ll turn your backyard into a vital sanctuary throughout the nesting season.