The hummingbirds are back! Here’s how to welcome them

Get ready, Illinois! Your favorite little travelers are back, fluttering in to paint the skies with color after a long winter away! Hummingbirds are nature’s little daredevils, defying the odds with their incredible journeys and reminding us that the season is changing with every colorful flutter. 

After months of soaking up the sun in Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond, these winged wonders are back, ready to brighten Illinois with their colorful return. This remarkable migration fascinates birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

The hummingbirds’ journey back to Illinois is a challenging but impressive adventure. Guided by their instincts and the changing environment, these little birds travel thousands of miles from their winter homes.

Their journey back to the north begins in February. After a long and grueling nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, they continue their trek, arriving in Illinois by early spring.

The north's longer days and blooming flowers offer better food and ideal breeding conditions. While the southern warmth provides a perfect environment during the winter, it lacks the resources needed for reproduction. Heading north allows them to access abundant nectar, giving them the energy to breed and raise their young.

According to AccuWeather, the birds usually arrive by early spring, coinciding with the blooming season. Based on AccuWeather's forecast, this year’s return schedule is:

• Mid-to-end March: Central Texas, north Louisiana, north Alabama, north Georgia, and South Carolina.

• Beginning mid-April: Oklahoma, Missouri, southern Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

• Middle to end of April: Nebraska, Iowa, northern Illinois, northern Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

• Beginning in the middle of May: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, most of Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts

The arrival of these vibrant creatures is an exciting time for nature lovers, and there are many ways to make their return even more special. Nectar feeders and native, flower-rich gardens give these little nectar ninjas the energy boost they need after their long journey. While it’s uncertain whether hummingbirds remember exact feeding locations, according to HummingbirdCentral.com, studies suggest they may recognize familiar areas or landmarks. As a result, the exact spots that welcomed them before could draw them back. 

Creating a haven for hummingbirds to return to is an excellent way to attract them to your yard year after year and provide them with a welcome home each spring. Here are some tips from BirdWatchingDaily.com:

• Start by adding nectar feeders in areas with some shade to keep the nectar fresh. For a simple homemade nectar, mix four parts boiling water with one part white sugar. Fill the feeder with the cooled mixture.

• Planting native flowers, such as trumpet vines, gladiolas, petunias, or bee balm, will provide natural food sources throughout the season. Flowers in red, pink, and orange shades signal a plentiful nectar supply, drawing the birds to these abundant sources.

• Hummingbirds enjoy a clean water source, so consider adding a shallow birdbath or mister to your garden.

•  Plant shrubs or trees nearby to give them a place to rest and hide from predators

• Most importantly, keep your garden free of harmful chemicals, which can harm hummingbirds and the insects they feed on.

These simple actions will make your yard a welcoming spot for hummingbirds to enjoy throughout the summer and keep them returning year after year.

The annual return of these mini marvels reminds us of the beauty and significance of nature’s delicate rhythms. Witnessing these glorious creatures returning year after year is a rewarding experience.