It’s Peak Season for Birdwatchers to Spot Migratory Hummingbirds, and Our Favorite Feeder Is on Sale

Kat Merck Gear Mar 5, 2026 3:50 PM It's Time to Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeders, and Our Favorite Is on Sale Early March is the best time to see rare migratory species in your own backyard, and a smart feeder can help you ID them. Hummingbird at a hummingbird feeder with out-of-focus background. Photograph: Jacqueline Nix/Getty Images Save this story Save this story Though most people associate the beginning of March with the hopefulness of spring and the indignities of daylight saving time , there’s another important event taking place yards all over the country: hummingbird season. While many species of hummingbirds can be seen in regions year-round, others are migratory, and this time typically marks their return from wintering grounds in Central and South America. These tiny birds can lose up to 40 percent of their body weight by the time they arrive here after having flown thousands of miles, and since many flowers haven’t bloomed yet, nectar feeders can be a source of essential fuel. Though I test smart bird feeders year-round , I don’t use hummingbird feeders as often as I should, as it’s imperative that they be cleaned and refilled with new nectar every two or three days (a ratio of 1:4 granulated sugar to water is best, and avoid any dyes or additives) to prevent deadly bacteria and mold, and I don't always have the time. But if you are going to invest the energy in maintaining a hummingbird feeder, right now is the best time, as you have a chance to see migratory species you might not otherwise encounter, such as black-chinned hummingbirds . A smart feeder helps you ID them, whether they're stopping at your feeder on their way north or arriving at their final destination. Birdbuddy's Pro is the smart hummingbird feeder I recommend and use myself when I’m not actively testing. The app is easy to navigate and sends cleaning reminders, the built-in solar roof keeps the battery charged, and, unlike other feeders, only the shallow bottom screws off for refilli...