When to put up hummingbird feeders?

[sixdogs]

It's starting to warm up in central Ohio and after a cool few days we should bust into the 70's and boy, am I ready.
So when should we put out the hummingbird feeders? From reading earlier threads folks suggest "early" but when is early and when is too early? I don't want to miss the scouts that are supposedly out searching for habitat. Any advice appreciated.

 

[sam5570]

i would put them out as quick as the night air is not below freezing. last year we already had them here but to cold for them now.

 

[farmgirl19]

I agree. put them out when it is no longer going to freeze at night. Otherwise, the feeders can burst.

 

[jinman]

Three weeks ago, we saw a couple of hummingbirds buzzing around. It was unseasonably warm and I figured they were here early. A little neighbor girl told me they also saw hummingbirds. I convinced my wife that we should put out the feeder. She put it up and we've not seen any hummers since. I think the cold snap may have sent them someplace else. Normally, by Easter we are seeing hummingbirds. I have been seeing some beautiful Eastern Bluebirds and a few red winged blackbirds. April is the month I start watching for painted buntings to show up at the feeder as well as lots of goldfinches. April and May are good bird-watching months here.

 

[farmgirl19]

I haven't seen the Scissor tails yet. Once they arrive, spring is here! I have seen the Bluebirds, but no red winged Blackbirds, this year. Yes, Spring is a great time to bird watch!

 

[Baby Grand]

Thanks for reminding me - they're a-comin':
Hummingbird Migration Maps

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks for reminding me - they're a-comin':
Hummingbird Migration Maps

Now that is a great map. Thanks.
I can see they are heading my way so I'll be ready.

 

[Western]

Humming bird have been here steady for 4 day's, saw one a week or 2 ago. Have had allot of Finches most of the winter, of course the wren that insist on a nest somewhere on my tractor. funny thing, wren had a nest under the hood 3 years ago, I loaded the tractor and took it to a job. When I got home that little wren was all over the tractor before I could get it unloaded!!!

Blue Birds have been here for about a month, they have been steady in the BB Box for a couple of weeks.

Havent seen the painted buntings yet, but they will show when the vegetation thickens, shy pretty bird.

 

[newbury]

How long can you go on "vacation" if you put feeders up?
Do the Hbirds become dependent on the feeder or are they just a nice thing to have?

 

[Western]

How long can you go on "vacation" if you put feeders up?
Do the Hbirds become dependent on the feeder or are they just a nice thing to have?

Since I make my own "nector" I try to change mine out every week to 10 days. I dont think they get "dependent" on a feeder, they eat mostly bugs from what I understand, but it is a great energy shot for them. I have also read from more learned folks, that it is a myth that a feeder will keep HB from migrating too.