When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Kentucky?

Around late March, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (the second week of April).

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Kentucky?

Around late October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (the second week of October).

Where do these dates come from?

They come from the share of complete checklists in Kentucky that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.

Feeder timing · Kentucky

When to Put Out (and Take Down) Hummingbird Feeders in Kentucky

In Kentucky, put hummingbird feeders out around late March and take them down around late October. The first arrivals typically show up in the second week of April and most are gone by the second week of October.

Put feeders outMar 22-31

First arrivalsApr 8-14

Last seenOct 8-14

Take feeders downOct 22-31

Rule used: feeders go out two weeks before the typical first-arrival week and come down two weeks after the last week birds are still reported. First arrival is the first week reports reach 10% of the species' usual in-season rate; last seen is the last such week. A few early or late birds can fall outside.

By species

Species	Pattern	First arrivals	Peak	Most gone by	Feeder up	Feeder down
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 8-14	Sep 1-7	Oct 1-7	Mar 22-31	Oct 22-31

Nectar feeders: four parts water to one part plain white sugar, no dye, changed every few days in warm weather.

Common questions

When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Kentucky?: Around late March, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (the second week of April).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Kentucky?: Around late October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (the second week of October).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Kentucky that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.