JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Hummingbirds have officially returned to New Jersey, with bird watchers and residents across the Jersey Shore reporting their first sightings of the season over the weekend.
As temperatures warmed, the tiny, colorful birds were seen darting through gardens and woodlands from Cape May to Monmouth County, signaling the peak of their annual spring migration. Wildlife experts confirmed that ruby-throated hummingbirds, the only species that breeds in eastern North America, are the primary visitors now arriving.
Key Points
- Hummingbirds were spotted across the Jersey Shore this weekend, marking their seasonal return.
- The birds migrate thousands of miles from Central America and Mexico to North America each spring.
- Bird watchers are encouraged to set out feeders to support the newly arrived hummingbirds.
The hummingbird migration typically begins in late February to early March in Central America, with the birds flying north through Mexico and the Gulf Coast states. By late April, they reach the mid-Atlantic, where they begin nesting and raising their young.
The journey can cover more than 2,000 miles, with some hummingbirds flying nonstop for up to 18 hours across the Gulf of Mexico. Their arrival in New Jersey marks the final leg of a demanding and dangerous trip.
Feeders and flowers vital for hummingbird survival
Local experts are advising residents to set out nectar feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution — four parts water to one part sugar — to help nourish the birds as they continue to recover from their journey. Brightly colored flowers, such as trumpet vine, bee balm, and columbine, are also essential food sources.
“Get your feeders out and get ready,” advised local wildlife specialists, noting that early spring is a critical time for hummingbirds as natural flower sources are still limited.
The ruby-throated hummingbird population will continue to grow through May and June as nesting begins. Males typically arrive first to establish territory, followed by females who will build nests and raise the next generation.
Jersey Shore residents celebrate seasonal visitors
Reports from bird enthusiasts in Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties described hummingbirds visiting backyard feeders, parks, and natural preserves. Residents welcomed the small birds, whose arrival is seen as a harbinger of warmer, longer days ahead.
Wildlife organizations encourage people to log their sightings through bird tracking apps and citizen science projects to aid in monitoring hummingbird migration patterns each year.