When springtime weather shows up in the Midwest, everyone spends as much time as they can outside. Long winters keep us all cooped up, and we flock to parks, forests, and gardens to take in the sounds and signs of the new season. People aren’t the only ones out enjoying the weather — soon, thousands of Iowa hummingbirds will show up to feast on the wildflowers of our beautiful state! When will hummingbirds arrive in Iowa? Keep reading to find out!
As spring begins to appear here in the Hawkeye State, you’ll notice thousands of hummingbirds appearing as their annual migration beings. Keep an eye out for Iowa hummingbirds starting in April!
Flickr / Jason Mrachina When their winter homes in South America and Central America become too steamy, they start to make their way to the slightly cooler climates in North America.
While these beautiful birds make their way into Iowa, spring blooms are their most common food source.
Flickr / Carol VanHook This Blue Flag Iris is one of their most beloved plants, and towns like Altoona have collections of pollinator-friendly wildflowers in public parks and along walking trails.
When the weather patterns change, some flower patches struggle to keep up with the high demand.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina Hummingbird feeders become an important source of nectar for the birds who can’t find enough food from flowers and plants along their journey.
If you’re looking to spot hummingbirds, head to Pikes Peak State Park! The park’s bird feeders attract hundreds of them every day.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 3,000 times per minute. They need to constantly be eating, and nectar helps keep them fueled up. If you’re filling your own feeder with commercially-available nectar, avoid the bright red stuff that’s packed with artificial dyes.
Help out hummingbirds and other pollinators by planting friendly flowers. Some of their favorites include trumpet vines and butterfly bushes.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina While hummingbirds particularly like trumpet-shaped flowers, they’ll feed on a variety of high-nectar plants. Bee balm, sage, rhododendron, and lupine are all beautiful flowers that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden.
The hummingbird migration is well on its way, and they’ll be fluttering their way through the Hawkeye State this spring.
Flickr / Alvin Trusty Now that we’ve answered the question, “When will hummingbirds arrive in Iowa?”, it’s time to get ready for them!
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
When their winter homes in South America and Central America become too steamy, they start to make their way to the slightly cooler climates in North America.
Flickr / Carol VanHook
This Blue Flag Iris is one of their most beloved plants, and towns like Altoona have collections of pollinator-friendly wildflowers in public parks and along walking trails.
Hummingbird feeders become an important source of nectar for the birds who can’t find enough food from flowers and plants along their journey.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 3,000 times per minute. They need to constantly be eating, and nectar helps keep them fueled up. If you’re filling your own feeder with commercially-available nectar, avoid the bright red stuff that’s packed with artificial dyes.
While hummingbirds particularly like trumpet-shaped flowers, they’ll feed on a variety of high-nectar plants. Bee balm, sage, rhododendron, and lupine are all beautiful flowers that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Flickr / Alvin Trusty
Now that we’ve answered the question, “When will hummingbirds arrive in Iowa?”, it’s time to get ready for them!
Pikes Peak is a great place to spot hummingbirds snacking on nectar, from natural plants, and from the park’s hanging feeders. It’s also a great place to enjoy a hike with a breathtaking view! This One Park In Iowa With Cliffs, A Waterfall, Camping, and Trails Truly Has It All.
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Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USAAddress: Altoona, IA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Iowa? February 18, 2021 Kim Magaraci What are the best hiking trails in Iowa during spring? Iowa is home to plenty of beautiful springtime hikes. Visit Waubonsie State Park to enjoy views as far as the eye can see, or climb along the trails at Pikes Peak State Park to find Bridal Veil Falls. Another great waterfall hike is the one-mile trek to Malanaphy Springs, where you can dip your toes in the water and watch a beautiful cascade come tumbling across your path. Most of Iowa’s state parks are so much fun to explore in the spring, thanks to the beautiful wildflowers that begin to pop up and stay bright all season long. What are the best spring day trips in Iowa? If you’re looking for a glimpse of spring to welcome in the season, head to Des Moines Botanical Garden. If the weather is calling you to come outside, take a hike through Effigy Mounds National Monument, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Other fun ideas for a spring day trip in Iowa include taking a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway, visiting a daily farm like Hansen’s Dairy in Hudson, Iowa (they have kangaroos!), or even taking advantage of a warm, clear night to stargaze at White Rock Conservancy. Does Iowa have any natural wonders? Lots of people overlook Iowa when it comes to natural wonders. The driftless area was one section of the state that escaped glaciation during the last ice age, and as a result, the cliff, bluffs, and riverside landscapes are an amazing sight to see. A little farther away, the caves of Maquoketa Caves State Park showcase some stunning geologic wonder. If you head west, you’ll discover the Loess Hills, which seem to rise out of the prairie from nowhere and create a hilly, rolling Missouri River valley region
The OIYS Visitor Center
When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Iowa?
February 18, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What are the best hiking trails in Iowa during spring? Iowa is home to plenty of beautiful springtime hikes. Visit Waubonsie State Park to enjoy views as far as the eye can see, or climb along the trails at Pikes Peak State Park to find Bridal Veil Falls. Another great waterfall hike is the one-mile trek to Malanaphy Springs, where you can dip your toes in the water and watch a beautiful cascade come tumbling across your path. Most of Iowa’s state parks are so much fun to explore in the spring, thanks to the beautiful wildflowers that begin to pop up and stay bright all season long. What are the best spring day trips in Iowa? If you’re looking for a glimpse of spring to welcome in the season, head to Des Moines Botanical Garden. If the weather is calling you to come outside, take a hike through Effigy Mounds National Monument, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Other fun ideas for a spring day trip in Iowa include taking a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway, visiting a daily farm like Hansen’s Dairy in Hudson, Iowa (they have kangaroos!), or even taking advantage of a warm, clear night to stargaze at White Rock Conservancy. Does Iowa have any natural wonders? Lots of people overlook Iowa when it comes to natural wonders. The driftless area was one section of the state that escaped glaciation during the last ice age, and as a result, the cliff, bluffs, and riverside landscapes are an amazing sight to see. A little farther away, the caves of Maquoketa Caves State Park showcase some stunning geologic wonder. If you head west, you’ll discover the Loess Hills, which seem to rise out of the prairie from nowhere and create a hilly, rolling Missouri River valley region
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Iowa is home to plenty of beautiful springtime hikes. Visit Waubonsie State Park to enjoy views as far as the eye can see, or climb along the trails at Pikes Peak State Park to find Bridal Veil Falls. Another great waterfall hike is the one-mile trek to Malanaphy Springs, where you can dip your toes in the water and watch a beautiful cascade come tumbling across your path. Most of Iowa’s state parks are so much fun to explore in the spring, thanks to the beautiful wildflowers that begin to pop up and stay bright all season long.
What are the best spring day trips in Iowa?
If you’re looking for a glimpse of spring to welcome in the season, head to Des Moines Botanical Garden. If the weather is calling you to come outside, take a hike through Effigy Mounds National Monument, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Other fun ideas for a spring day trip in Iowa include taking a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway, visiting a daily farm like Hansen’s Dairy in Hudson, Iowa (they have kangaroos!), or even taking advantage of a warm, clear night to stargaze at White Rock Conservancy.
Does Iowa have any natural wonders?
Lots of people overlook Iowa when it comes to natural wonders. The driftless area was one section of the state that escaped glaciation during the last ice age, and as a result, the cliff, bluffs, and riverside landscapes are an amazing sight to see. A little farther away, the caves of Maquoketa Caves State Park showcase some stunning geologic wonder. If you head west, you’ll discover the Loess Hills, which seem to rise out of the prairie from nowhere and create a hilly, rolling Missouri River valley region
