I never know when the hummingbirds will show up. The weather has a lot to do with it. I saw one pass through last week, so I got the nectar ready and hung the feeder on the deck. And I waited. He finally returned. And he brought a friend. How exciting!
These hummingbirds are so amazing. They will spend the spring and summer at the feeder. Every day. Then they leave on their migration journey. Ruby throated hummingbirds are mostly what we get in our area.
Most Ruby throated hummingbirds migrate between southern Mexico and northern Panama. Ruby throats begin moving north as early as January, and by the end of February they are at the northern coast of Yucatan, gorging on insects and spiders to add a thick layer of fat in preparation for flying to the U.S.
Some will skirt the Gulf of Mexico and follow the Texas coast north, while most apparently cross the Gulf, typically leaving at dusk for a nonstop flight of up to 500 miles, which takes 18-22 hours depending on the weather.
Amazing, right? They will fly 500 miles! These birds are so tiny they will fit in your hand. They are about three inches long. THREE INCHES! How do they do it is something I have never been able to comprehend. And then they return in the spring back to the same feeders they were at least year.
I have so much respect for these birds, every time I see them I make sure I have fresh nectar out for them.
©CarolDM2019
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Did you know about this annual hummingbird migration?
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There is so much more to add to this, I will have to write later, interested?
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Thank you for sharing these facts!
I think they are beautiful, thanks!
It’s always good to learn something new from you Carol. And the picture is of an amazing quality. Thanks friendo.
There you are… thank you. I learn something every day about nature and I am like a sponge. Thank you!
nice shoot! What a nice couple they are.
Thank you very much for the comment.
I envy the hummingbirds! Imagine not needing passport, visa and plane ticket to be where you want to be. I guess in my next lifetime, I will go for the hummingbird ???♀️
What an excellent point you make, I agree with you! 🙂 Good to see you.
And thanks for showing up in my side. It always brought a smile on my face when I see familiar faces ????
You are very welcome, always enjoy your words. Very thoughtful and inspirational.
With all your knowledge about hummingbirds, and how they like feeders in your home, it looks like you are the Goddess of Hummingbirds.
You are much to kind my friend. I try to learn something new every day about nature.
Very cute of the one bird bringing along a companion.
Thanks, it is rare to catch two at the same time.
I don’t know if it is their metabolism or what, but those little guys can be aggressive
I think their metabolism has a lot to do with it. But yes they are very territorial. All of my feeders have 4-5 feeding stations but they will not let another drink at the same time, or I should say it is rare. They want it all to themselves. This is a rare shot to see two at once.
sizing up against other hummingbirds is fine. I’ve seen them menace pets and even people…
The only time they tried dive bombing me was when they came around the corner to the feeder and I was there unexpectedly.
did they scold you as well? that cracks me up
Yes indeed they did, it was a little scary as it caught me off guard
Beautiful birds. I would be very happy to visit these birds. I did not know about migration.
Yes they are, rare to get two in a shot like this. The migration is incredible and I will post more about it.
I have read some information but not enough. I am so impressed with your visitors. I’m sure you’ll take good care of them while they’re here.
I love researching these birds Elenka, so much to learn about these wonders. I try my best.
Haha, I’m counting on you to know the birds more :p
If they come to my backyard I will find out what they are. 🙂
Kolibri is really a beautiful and unique bird
Yes indeed and glad you can relate as well.
I honestly knew hummingbirds migrated, but not that they migrated 500 miles. Amazing! Just the fact that they are so tiny, the migration must take time.
Please share more!!!!
It is amazing. I have seen many Nat Geo shows and read about them and am constant amazed at how these tiny birds survive. Thanks I will.
I am always interested in the reality of migrations. There is a flock of geese that stop in the field near our house (on our walk) every year. I wonder how far they have flown by the time they get to Maryland. They continue from us to Carolina’s about 300 miles. But they are at 700 or more miles by Maryland.
It is amazing. I have seen many Nat Geo shows and read about them and am constantly amazed at how these tiny birds survive. Thanks I will.