When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Massachusetts?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Massachusetts?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Massachusetts

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

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

Put feeders outApr 8-14

First arrivalsApr 22-30

Last seenSep 22-30

Take feeders downOct 8-14

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 22-30	Aug 15-21	Sep 15-21	Apr 8-14	Oct 8-14

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