Hummingbirds Heading Back to New York Early

When is Hummingbird Season in New York?

I've lived in New York my whole life and it wasn't until I was in my 30s that I saw a hummingbird in my own backyard.

The only other time I saw a hummingbird was when I was on vacation in Florida. Some folks might not know that hummingbirds migrate to New York, so it's always fun to share that tidbit of information.

According to ThebirdhouseNY.com, Ruby throated hummingbirds are the "the jewel of the garden in the spring and summer months" across New York State.

The site goes on to explain that Ruby throated hummingbirds will arrive in Upstate, New York in early May and will stick around until the beginning of September.

While we're only in the beginning of April, it looks like the hummingbirds are on already on the move for 2026.

Hummingbirds Begin Migration Towards New York State

Meteorologist Joe Rao shared the following graphic to social media on Friday April 4th, 2026:

Rao shares that the graphic is a migration pattern for the Ruby-throated hummingbirds. The meteorologist explains:

HUMMINGBIRDS ON THE MOVE! -- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird spotted as far north as Missouri, to Virginia! A week or two ahead of schedule. They’ll be in the Lower Hudson Valley soon!

As of April 6th, 2026, it looks like Ruby-throated hummingbirds were spotted in southern New Jersey near Atlantic City. Check out the map on hummingbirdcentral.com for updates with their migration.

Keep your eyes peeled!

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

If you're looking for ways to attract hummingbirds to your backyard this spring and summer, you could always make homemade nectar!

TheBirdHouseNY explains that you should put out your hummingbird feeder "2 weeks before their expected arrival."

While the map above says they may be here sooner rather than later, The Bird House says April 15th is a good time to get the feeders out. The website states:

While we only have one species in our area, Hummingbirds nation-wide can be attracted with a nectar feeder.

Nectar can be made by using 1/4 cup of white sugar to 1 cup water (use can or beet sugar only). Boil the water to dissolve the sugar, then let it cool before putting it in your feeder.

Hummingbirds may be attracted to "brightly colored tubular plants" which could be a nice addition to your hummingbird feeder.