When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Washington?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Washington?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Washington

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

In Washington, put hummingbird feeders out around late February and take them down around mid September. The first arrivals typically show up in the second week of March and most are gone by early September. The Anna's Hummingbird stays all year, so leave one feeder up for it.

Put feeders outFeb 22-28

First arrivalsMar 8-14

Last seenSep 1-7

Take feeders downSep 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
Anna's Hummingbird	Year-round	–	Feb 15-21	–	Keep up all year
Rufous Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Mar 8-14	May 1-7	Aug 1-7	Feb 22-28	Sep 15-21
Calliope Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	May 22-31	Aug 8-14	Apr 8-14	Aug 22-31
Black-chinned Hummingbird	Summer visitor	May 15-21	Jul 22-31	Sep 1-7	May 1-7	Sep 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 Washington?: Around late February, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (the second week of March).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Washington?: Around mid September, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early September).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Washington that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.