Hummingbirds are tiny, colorful birds that bring joy to anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them. In New Jersey, these fascinating creatures make their return in mid-April, marking the beginning of an exciting time for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Understanding when hummingbirds come back to New Jersey can help you prepare for their arrival and create a welcoming environment for these delightful birds in your own backyard.
Migration Patterns of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel long distances between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Central and South America. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the most common species in New Jersey, typically leaves its wintering grounds in early spring and embarks on a northward journey to its breeding territories.
Arrival in New Jersey
By mid-April, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds start appearing in New Jersey as they arrive to stake out territories and begin their breeding season. Their arrival is often eagerly anticipated by birdwatchers who set up feeders and flowering plants to attract these tiny birds to their yards.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard in New Jersey, there are a few things you can do to create an inviting space for these aerial acrobats. Planting nectar-rich flowers such as bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia can provide a natural food source for hummingbirds. Additionally, setting up hummingbird feeders with a solution of four parts water to one part sugar can supplement their diet and encourage them to frequent your yard.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Creating a welcoming environment for hummingbirds goes beyond providing food. Adding perches for them to rest on, offering fresh water for bathing and drinking, and reducing pesticide use in your yard can make it a safe and inviting space for these tiny visitors. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that hummingbirds feel at home in your yard and return year after year.