Good news, North Carolina! The annual hummingbird migration is officially underway and we’re ready to begin spotting the graceful Ruby-throated hummingbird in back yards around parts of the Tar Heel State! Each fall, thousands of these exquisite winged creatures migrate south from as far as Canada all the way down to Central America, Mexico, and parts of Florida – until it’s time to head north again in the spring to breed. So, if you want to see hummingbirds in North Carolina, read on to find out more about how and where to look.
Spring is the time to pull out your hummingbird feeder, clean it up, and fill it with sweet nectar to fuel the flight of the ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Flickr/Michael Janke
This migration map from HummingbirdPots.com (check out their great feeders!), shows the typical migration dates of the most common of hummingbirds found in the Eastern United States.
Facebook/Hummingbird Pots
From mid-March through the beginning of April, thousands of them will take flight and land in backyards all over North Carolina to rest and eat as they make the journey.
DansPhotoArt on flickr / Moment Collection via Getty Images
And while some may make the Tar Heel State their breeding ground of this season’s new additions, most will travel farther north to build their nest in a shrub or small tree.
DanielBehmPhotography.Com / Moment Collection via Getty Images
Most of us know the ruby-throated hummingbird as having a bright red bib. But that’s actually only true for the males in the species.
Flickr/Annie Davis 773 The females, on the other hand, are a bit less colorful, but still dainty and fascinating.
In some cultures, a hummingbird’s visit is believed to bring good luck, joy, and love to the person gifted with spotting them.
Facebook/Hummingbird Pots We certainly agree!
Have you spotted any hummingbirds in North Carolina yet this year?
hummingbirdcentral.com There’s actually in live, interactive map on hummingbirdcentral.com where you can report sightings in order to take part in tracking this year’s hummingbird migration. How fun!
Whether you believe the lore about hummingbirds bringing love and good luck, or are just simply fascinated by this tiny, winged bird, prepare for some springtime delight as they meander in and out of the back yard for the next few weeks!
Flickr/Michael Janke
Facebook/Hummingbird Pots
DansPhotoArt on flickr / Moment Collection via Getty Images
DanielBehmPhotography.Com / Moment Collection via Getty Images
Flickr/Annie Davis 773
The females, on the other hand, are a bit less colorful, but still dainty and fascinating.
We certainly agree!
hummingbirdcentral.com
There’s actually in live, interactive map on hummingbirdcentral.com where you can report sightings in order to take part in tracking this year’s hummingbird migration. How fun!
Have you placed your feeder outside yet? Be sure to use clear nectar that’s free from harmful dyes and preservatives!
For more springtime adventure, read The 13 Very Best Places To Go In North Carolina This Spring.
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Address: North Carolina, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
When Will Hummingbirds Arrive in North Carolina? February 19, 2021 Kim Magaraci What are the best hiking trails in North Carolina during spring? If you love waterfalls, the aptly named Triple Falls Trail near Cedar Mountain is sure to be a favorite. This 2.3-mile loop trail in Dupont State Forest shows off Triple Falls as soon as you get on your way! If you’re not quite sure what you want out of a springtime hike, head to Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. You’ll find trails that have a little bit of everything! Take the Old Field Bluff Trail and you’ll have options to explore others that intertwine. Another favorite is the easy paved Cape Fear River Trail that follows the river for miles. What are the best spring day trips in North Carolina? Visit Craggy Gardens in May to see the beautiful rhododendrons and celebrate the beauty of the season. Another beautiful garden, Elizabethan Gardens, is a great spot to spend a day when spring weather first rolls in. On that first hot day, head to Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Angier and try one a few of their 120 flavors of homemade ice cream. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and check out the zipline through forest canopies in Fayetteville at ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure. Does North Carolina have any natural wonders? The whole Tarheel State is a natural wonder! Some of our signature spots are out-of-this-world, and you’ve got to see them to believe them. Visit the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast at Jockeys Ridge, or explore Linville Gorge and see why locals call it the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. Our mountains are particularly impressive, too - from the iconic Grandfather Mountain to Pilot Mountain, part of the Sauratown chain. Looking Glass Rock is another stone wonder that visitors fall in love with.
The OIYS Visitor Center
When Will Hummingbirds Arrive in North Carolina?
February 19, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What are the best hiking trails in North Carolina during spring? If you love waterfalls, the aptly named Triple Falls Trail near Cedar Mountain is sure to be a favorite. This 2.3-mile loop trail in Dupont State Forest shows off Triple Falls as soon as you get on your way! If you’re not quite sure what you want out of a springtime hike, head to Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. You’ll find trails that have a little bit of everything! Take the Old Field Bluff Trail and you’ll have options to explore others that intertwine. Another favorite is the easy paved Cape Fear River Trail that follows the river for miles. What are the best spring day trips in North Carolina? Visit Craggy Gardens in May to see the beautiful rhododendrons and celebrate the beauty of the season. Another beautiful garden, Elizabethan Gardens, is a great spot to spend a day when spring weather first rolls in. On that first hot day, head to Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Angier and try one a few of their 120 flavors of homemade ice cream. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and check out the zipline through forest canopies in Fayetteville at ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure. Does North Carolina have any natural wonders? The whole Tarheel State is a natural wonder! Some of our signature spots are out-of-this-world, and you’ve got to see them to believe them. Visit the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast at Jockeys Ridge, or explore Linville Gorge and see why locals call it the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. Our mountains are particularly impressive, too - from the iconic Grandfather Mountain to Pilot Mountain, part of the Sauratown chain. Looking Glass Rock is another stone wonder that visitors fall in love with.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you love waterfalls, the aptly named Triple Falls Trail near Cedar Mountain is sure to be a favorite. This 2.3-mile loop trail in Dupont State Forest shows off Triple Falls as soon as you get on your way! If you’re not quite sure what you want out of a springtime hike, head to Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. You’ll find trails that have a little bit of everything! Take the Old Field Bluff Trail and you’ll have options to explore others that intertwine. Another favorite is the easy paved Cape Fear River Trail that follows the river for miles.
What are the best spring day trips in North Carolina?
Visit Craggy Gardens in May to see the beautiful rhododendrons and celebrate the beauty of the season. Another beautiful garden, Elizabethan Gardens, is a great spot to spend a day when spring weather first rolls in. On that first hot day, head to Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Angier and try one a few of their 120 flavors of homemade ice cream. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and check out the zipline through forest canopies in Fayetteville at ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure.
Does North Carolina have any natural wonders?
The whole Tarheel State is a natural wonder! Some of our signature spots are out-of-this-world, and you’ve got to see them to believe them. Visit the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast at Jockeys Ridge, or explore Linville Gorge and see why locals call it the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. Our mountains are particularly impressive, too - from the iconic Grandfather Mountain to Pilot Mountain, part of the Sauratown chain. Looking Glass Rock is another stone wonder that visitors fall in love with.
