When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Vermont?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Vermont?

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 Vermont that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.

Feeder timing · Vermont

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

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

Put feeders outApr 15-21

First arrivalsMay 1-7

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	May 1-7	Aug 15-21	Sep 8-14	Apr 15-21	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 Vermont?: Around mid April, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (early May).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Vermont?: 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 Vermont that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.