When should I put out hummingbird feeders in South Dakota?

Around mid April, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (early May).

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in South Dakota?

Around mid October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early October).

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · South Dakota

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

In South Dakota, put hummingbird feeders out around mid April and take them down around mid October. The first arrivals typically show up in early May and most are gone by early October.

Put feeders outApr 15-21

First arrivalsMay 1-7

Last seenOct 1-7

Take feeders downOct 15-21

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	May 1-7	Sep 1-7	Sep 22-30	Apr 15-21	Oct 15-21

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