That flash of green and red you’ve been waiting for? It’s here. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are returning to Ontario, and bringing energy, colour, and serious pollination power to our gardens.
And if you’ve ever wondered, “Where did they go?” .... the answer is wild.
Every year, they migrate from Central America and Mexico back to Eastern North America, and many make a nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
Small bird. Big journey.
When they arrive (and how long they stay)
In Eastern Ontario (Zones 4–6), hummingbird timing usually looks like this:
- Arrival: late April to early May
- Peak activity: May through summer
- Departure: late August to September
Tip: Put feeders out by late April. Even if you feel early, they’ll find you, especially if they’re arriving tired and hungry after migration.
Why we love them (it’s not just the cuteness)
Hummingbirds bring life and movement to the garden, but they also do more than sip nectar.
Up to 80% of their diet can come from insects and spiders, including gnats, aphids, mosquitoes, mites, larvae, and tiny spiders.
- Nectar = quick energy (like their fuel)
- Insects = protein + nutrients (especially important when raising young)
So when you support hummingbirds, you’re also supporting a tiny natural pest-control machine.
What to feed hummingbirds
Homemade nectar (simple and safe)
Mix: 1 part white sugar : 4 parts water
- Boil, cool, and fill feeder
- No dyes, no honey (they can harm birds)
You can also use ready-to-use nectar if you prefer convenience.
Nectar-rich flowers (their natural favourites)
Planting is the long-term win. They love tubular, nectar-rich blooms, especially native-friendly picks like:
- Wild Columbine
- Cardinal Flower & Blue Lobelia
- Bergamot (Monarda / Bee Balm)
- Penstemon (Beardtongue)
- Spotted Jewelweed
- Agastache (Hyssop)
- Milkweeds (also attract insects hummingbirds feed on)
Best combo: feeder + flowers. The feeder helps early spring and cold snaps, and flowers carry them through summer naturally.
Where to place your feeder (so it actually works)
- Hang feeders in partial shade (keeps nectar cooler and fresher)
- Place near shrubs/trees so birds can perch and rest
- If you have space, put out more than one feeder to reduce territorial behaviour (they can be tiny bullies)
⚠️ The #1 rule: Keep feeders clean
This matters more than anything else. Spoiled nectar can grow harmful bacteria and mold that can make hummingbirds sick.
Clean feeder routine:
- Change nectar every 2–3 days
- Change daily during hot weather
- Clean with hot water + a brush
- Rinse well (no soap residue)
If your feeder looks cloudy, slimy, or smells off, just dump it, clean it, refill fresh.
Helpful hummingbird-friendly habits
- Avoid pesticides (hummingbirds rely on insects too)
- Keep a shallow water source nearby if you can
- Plant in layers: flowers + shrubs + trees = natural shelter + better habitat
Welcome them home 🌿
If you want hummingbirds to return to your yard every year, give them two things: reliable food and safe habitat. Put your feeders out by late April, keep them clean, and add a few nectar-rich plants, and you’ll be amazed how quickly your yard becomes a hummingbird stopover.
