Hummingbirds are the adorable tiniest birds everyone would like to see in their yard feeding the nectar. So are you looking for these tiny creatures in Ohio? Amazing! If you want to know when these hummingbirds will arrive in Ohio and when you can put the feeders up, then continue reading this article.
Which Hummingbird species are seen in Ohio?
Various hummingbird species can be seen in Ohio throughout the year. Let’s know which are they and when they arrive in Ohio.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species seen in the eastern half of the United States and the most common in Ohio. They are seen all over this region during the spring and the summer months. They arrive here in April and May and leave the place in September.
Rufous Hummingbird
They are very aggressive when it comes to sharing the feeders and chasing the hummers. They are the second most common species of hummingbirds found in Ohio after the Ruby-throated hummingbird. Though they are not seen frequently, the bird watcher can sometimes spot them at any time of the year. They are usually seen in the late fall and early winter.
Allen Hummingbird
They are the rare hummingbird species found in Ohio. These tiny birds have been spotted only twice in this region since 2009, according to the eBird. They can sometimes be seen on the east coast, so if it’s your good day, you can definitely see them in your backyard.
Calliope Hummingbird
These species of hummingbirds are also very rarely seen in Ohio and the east coast. However, they can be rarely spotted during the winter when they migrate to other places. Hence, if you are keeping your feeders up for other migratory hummingbirds in this season, then there are chances that the calliope hummingbird might come to your yard to have some good nectar.
Anna’s Hummingbird
These species of hummingbirds mostly stay in the United States all around the year. But, they are very selective and prefer to stay or move within their range. They are seen in the western states like California and Washington. Some of these birds can be seen once or twice on the western edge of Ohio in the winter season.
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Ohio?
The migrating hummingbirds arrive in Ohio after their long Northern migration journey from Panama and Mexico. Most of them arrive in Ohio in late April, but some hummingbirds might also arrive a little late, that is, by mid of the May month. Also, the hummingbirds that arrive after the mid of June might plan to spend the entire winter in Ohio.
The most common hummingbirds observed in Ohio are the Ruby-throated hummingbird and the Rufous hummingbird. The migrating male hummingbirds arrive first in Ohio to establish the feeding territory, and then a week later, the female hummingbirds start arriving in Ohio.
Hence you can put the good quality nectars ready for these arriving guests in your balcony or yard by the mid of March. Putting the feeder early can attract the early arriving bird to your place and feed in your balcony or yard.
Which plants are mostly loved by the hummingbirds?
Salvia Guaranitica is a blue flower that is one of the favorite plants of the hummingbird, which you can grow in your yard or in your balcony to attract these tiny hummingbirds during their migration journey.
Apart from this, here are some of the feeding plants that you can grow in your yard to attract these tiny guests.
- Cardinal climber
- Honeysuckle
- Northern catalpa
- Morning glory
- Cypress Vine
- Beauty Bush
- Flame Acanthus
- Lilacs
- Mimosa
- Manzanita
How to attract the hummingbirds of Ohio to your backyard or balcony?
Every bird has its own preferences and so is attracted to certain things. Here are some tips that you can consider for attracting hummingbirds in Ohio to your yard or balcony.
- Place more feeders to create more territories for these tiny birds.
- Clean the feeders regularly so that no mold is created at the bottom.
- If the weather is hot, try to change the nectar every 2-3 days so that it doesn’t spoil due to the heat.
- Ensure that the nectar doesn’t have access to the ants or other insects. Else the hummingbirds won’t come to your place for feeding.
- Place a birdbath near the feeder so that these tiny birds can clean themselves after eating or after they have arrived from the long journey.
- Clean or replace the water every day so that these tiny birds can have access to freshwater for drinking.
- Plant trees that are loved by these tiny birds. You can grow native plants such as salvias, creeper, lupin, etc., that will provide food and be their place for perching.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides on the plants that you are growing in your garden, as they might be harmful to the birds.
- Hang the feeder where they can perch and enjoy the view while feeding. These perches can also act as a resting place for these small birds.
When to put down the feeders?
The migrating spring hummingbirds usually leave Ohio by the mid of October. And some hummingbirds who are a bit late for migrating to their next destination leave the place by the end of October. You won’t be able to see the migrating hummingbirds in Ohio after this month.
Which are the places in Ohio where you can spot these tiny hummingbirds?
You can view these tiny birds anywhere across Ohio, including the big northeast cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland. Therefore putting multiple feeders in your yard can attract these tiny birds, and you can have amazing chances for sightings.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are the beautiful tiny creatures that each one would love to see in their yards. Therefore, setting up the feeders at the proper time can help you have a great sight of these birds every day.
If you know any other way of attracting these hummingbirds in Ohio, then do please share your experiences.
