Hummingbird Migration Underway: When to Expect Them in Anderson

Anderson, SC — The ruby-throated hummingbirds are on the move, and if you live in the Upstate, you might want to dust off those feeders. These tiny aerial acrobats are making their way through South Carolina as part of their annual fall migration.

When to Expect Them

Hummingbird migration typically peaks in South Carolina during late summer and early fall. Most ruby-throated hummingbirds pass through the state between August and October as they head south to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

If you have not seen many at your feeders yet, do not worry. The numbers usually pick up after the first cool snap, when these birds start fueling up for the long journey ahead.

Get Your Feeders Ready (Yes, Now)

Here is the thing about hummingbirds: they are basically tiny, feathered divas with wings. If your feeder looks like it has been sitting in the garage since last football season, they will judge you. They will still eat, but they will judge you.

To make your yard the hottest spot in the neighborhood:

Clean your feeders with hot water (no soap residue, please)

Mix fresh nectar — one part sugar to four parts water, no red dye needed

Hang feeders near flowers or shrubs so birds have a place to hide from that one neighbor who stares out the window too much

Keep the nectar fresh and change it every few days, especially in the heat

Why Anderson Is a Stopover Spot

Anderson sits in a sweet spot along the hummingbird migration route. With Lake Hartwell nearby and plenty of gardens and green spaces, the area offers exactly what these birds need: nectar, insects, and a place to rest before the next leg of their journey.

Local parks and backyard gardens across Anderson County become temporary fueling stations for thousands of hummingbirds each year. Some residents report seeing dozens of birds at once during peak migration weeks.

A Few Fun Facts

Hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times per second. That is not a typo. Fifty-three times. Every. Single. Second.

The ruby-throated hummingbird weighs about as much as a penny but can fly 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.

They remember every feeder they have ever visited. So yes, they know you let the nectar go bad last year. They remember.

Watch and Enjoy

Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just someone who thinks tiny flying things are neat, hummingbird season is worth paying attention to. Grab a chair, sit near your feeder, and watch one of nature’s smallest marvels do its thing.

And if you see one hovering near your window giving you the side-eye? It is probably time to refill the feeder.

Have you spotted hummingbirds in your Anderson backyard? Let us know in the comments!