Do the Hummingbirds At Your Feeder Seem More Daring? We Found Out Why
Studies show that Ruby-throated hummingbirds often return to the same feeders and gardens with uncanny precision.
As spring unfolds across Vermont’s rolling hills and vibrant gardens, the familiar buzz of hummingbirds returns. If you’ve noticed these tiny dynamos acting a bit bolder this year—sipping nectar from your flower pots, staging aerial skirmishes just feet away, or even zipping daringly close to your head—you’re not alone.
Vermont’s hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated and occasional Rufous visitors, seem to be shedding their shyness. But why? The answer lies in their remarkable memory and a behavior called site fidelity, which makes your backyard a home they return to year after year.
Hummingbirds: Creatures of Habit
Hummingbirds are renowned for their incredible journeys, migrating thousands of miles from Central America to Vermont each spring. What’s even more astonishing is their ability to pinpoint the exact locations where they found food in previous years. Studies, like those documented by Hummingbird Central, show that Ruby-throated hummingbirds often return to the same feeders and gardens with uncanny precision. “Hummingbirds are known to return to the same location from one year to the next, even to the same feeder!” the organization notes. This site fidelity means the hummingbirds at your feeder today might be the same ones—or their offspring—that visited last summer.
In Vermont, where Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive as early as late April, this behavior is a boon for backyard enthusiasts. A table of first sightings in a specific garden, shared by Hummingbird Central, shows Ruby-throats appearing consistently in March over nearly two decades, with dates like March 14 in 2025 and March 12 in 2018. Your backyard feeder in Stowe or Montpelier could be a similar beacon, drawing the same birds back each year.
Growing Bolder with Familiarity
So, why do this year’s hummingbirds seem less skittish? The key is habituation—a process where these wild creatures grow accustomed to humans who provide reliable food and a safe environment. Over time, hummingbirds learn that your presence means nectar-filled feeders or blooming flowers, not danger. As Birds and Blooms explains, “Readers often report that the same hummingbirds return year after year,” and experts confirm these birds can remember feeders and associate them with food. This familiarity can make them appear “braver,” as they feed from petunias in your flower pots or chase rivals in dramatic aerial battles just steps from your porch.
Vermont birdwatchers have noticed this shift. One reader from Shelburne shared, “In past years, our hummingbirds would dart away if we got too close to the feeder. This summer, they’re feeding from our flowers and even buzzing right over our heads!” This behavior, often described as “strafing,” is a sign of trust. The Concord Monitor notes, “Hummingbirds recognize and remember people and have been known to fly about their heads to alert them to empty feeders or sugar water that has gone bad.” That close flyby might just be your hummingbird’s way of saying, “Hey, keep the nectar coming!”
Not Domesticated, Just Comfortable
It’s tempting to think of these bold hummingbirds as domesticated, but they remain wild at heart. Unlike domesticated animals, which undergo genetic changes over generations, hummingbirds are simply adapting to a familiar environment. Bird Feeder Hub emphasizes, “With time and effort, training a hummingbird to trust you is actually possible,” especially in suburban Vermont backyards where feeders are a staple. This trust explains why your hummingbirds might linger longer at the feeder or stage territorial dogfights nearby, unperturbed by your presence.
The Rufous hummingbird, a less common but feisty visitor to Vermont, is particularly known for its bold demeanor. Bird Watching HQ describes them as “highly aggressive,” often chasing larger birds from feeders. If you’ve spotted a reddish hummingbird staging dramatic battles, it might be a Rufous, simply doing what comes naturally in a familiar setting.
Why This Matters for Vermonters
This growing comfort isn’t just a charming quirk—it’s a testament to the bond between Vermonters and our natural world. By maintaining clean feeders (use a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio, no red dye!) and planting nectar-rich flowers like bee balm or salvia, you’re creating a safe haven that hummingbirds remember and return to. Journey North highlights that hummingbirds can recall migration stopovers, and your garden could be one of those cherished pit stops.
However, this trust comes with responsibility. Climate change, which alters flower bloom times, can affect nectar availability, as noted by Audubon. By keeping feeders stocked and gardens blooming, Vermonters can support these tiny travelers through changing seasons. Plus, watching their fearless antics—whether it’s a Ruby-throat sipping from your zinnias or a Rufous buzzing your hat—is a reward in itself.
Join the Hummingbird Welcome Party
If your hummingbirds seem a little less shy this year, take it as a compliment. They’ve chosen your backyard as a trusted home base, thanks to their remarkable memory and your hospitality. To encourage even more visits, try spacing out multiple feeders to reduce territorial spats, as suggested by Nature’s Way Bird Products. Share your observations with local birdwatching groups, like those on Vermont eBird, to help track these behaviors across the state.
As you sip coffee on your porch in Rutland or tend flowers in Bennington, watch for those bold buzzing visitors. They’re not just passing through—they’re coming home, and they’re getting to know you better each year.