Is it a drone? Is it a giant bee? No, it’s a hummingbird! We’ve all experienced the joy of seeing these adorable birds hovering in our garden as they feast on nectar. But what happens when all those colorful blossoms disappear in the fall? You never see hummingbirds migrating en masse like geese or other birds. So, where do hummingbirds go in winter? Today, we’ll explore this topic – and how you can welcome them back to your yard next spring!
Where Do Hummingbirds Go In Winter?
As it turns out, hummingbirds love tropical vacations in winter as much as humans. Apart from one species, Anna’s Hummingbird, which lives on the Pacific Coast year-round, most North American hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. That’s quite an impressive feat when you consider how small these creatures are! Some species wear no more than a penny, yet they can easily travel 500 miles in a single day. Interestingly, their migration south for winter is not motivated by food but reduced daylight hours. They return to the US in spring because competition for food in the tropics can be fierce. They’ll lay their eggs and then repeat the cycle of migration in the fall. 
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Believe it or not, hummingbirds are actually highly carnivorous and love to dine on bugs. They use the nectar from plants as quick energy to boost to keep their energy levels up for flying. In fact, you could say that hummingbirds’ favorite hobby is snacking. They need to eat almost constantly, consuming half their weight in sugar every day!
How to Attract Hummingbirds in Spring
Make Food
You don’t have to sit around, hoping to see a hummingbird next spring. Persuade them to visit with some homemade nectar! This recipe is easy to make and requires very little time to prepare. Mix one cup of white cane sugar with three to four cups of spring water. Beet sugar is also okay to use. Don’t use organic sugars, honey, or food coloring in your mixture! Add it to a hummingbird feeder and place it where you can easily view it from your patio, deck, or even a window from your home and enjoy the show!
Provide Shelter
Unlike other bird species, hummingbirds are not cavity nesters – meaning they won’t set up camp in that birdhouse you built no matter how cute you made it. Instead, focus on keeping your trees and shrubs healthy! These are the preferred hummingbird nest areas. Thorny bushes or shrubs are great because they help shield hummingbirds from predators.
Leave Out Water
Hummingbirds do not live on sugar alone and will need regular boring water to stay hydrated after all that buzzing. A birdbath is an excellent option, but if you want to go the extra mile, set up a mister near trees and shrubs. Hummingbirds will use the damp leaves to rub up against and clean themselves.
Spruce Up Your Garden
The more warm colors you have in your garden, the better. Hummingbirds love reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and purple. Therefore, any flowers that bloom in those shades will increase the chances of you spotting a hummingbird in your yard. You can also add colorful lawn ornaments like gazing balls or anything else shiny and bright.
Hummingbirds In Ohio
Here are just a few of the most common species you can find in your Ohio yard.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
Likely the most regular customer you’ll find at your hummingbird feeder. These birds have green coats with white tummies apart from a red patch on their throat, as you may have derived from the name. 
Calliope Hummingbirds
Bonus points if you can spot this little guy! This species is the smallest hummingbird species native to the US.
Rufous Hummingbirds
Females are green and orange while males sport vibrant orange plumes.
Attract Hummingbirds Next Spring With Turf Pro Plus
It’s easy to welcome back adorable hummingbirds with a vibrant, colorful garden! The experts at Turf Pro Plus will make sure your flowers and grass are healthy and inviting for your bird friends. We’ll fertilize your garden beds, and control weeds that choke out the plants that hummingbirds love to visit. Call us today at 513-545-6295 or contact us online. For more helpful articles on lawn care, pest control, and more, be sure to check out our blog. And for the latest updates on services, follow us on Facebook!