Carol DM
Continuing my post about Hummingbirds and their incredible migration. In case you missed the first post you can read it here.. Pair of Visitors
As I mentioned before, Hummingbirds are only about two to three inches long. Very small birds. And each year they travel miles for their winter migration. Then return to the same spots each spring. When I see one at my deck, I make sure they have fresh nectar.
Hummingbirds do not flock, they take off on their own and arrive on their own. As small as they are, they choose to fly alone. They do not hitch rides on geese or other birds as the old wives tale mentions.
When migrating South, geese and hummers fly at different times, different heights and to different locations.
Nature knows best and our feeders are simply there to help. Insects are the main source of food and often hummers grab a protein snack while they are going for the flower nectar.
No matter the species, or where they are coming from, migration takes a lot of energy and the adding a higher nectar solution is actually close to what nature offers and the extra boost helps them gain the needed weight. Close to the end of the season you can add a little more sugar to the mixture of your nectar to help them out.
Hummers must double their weight before heading out and higher solutions can only help.
At the end of the season, usually late summer, make sure to keep your feeders out two or three weeks after you’ve seen your last hummingbird. They will need that last taste of nectar as they start their annual migration.
Last but certainly not least, sharing a photo of a Hummingbirds taking a break at my deck feeder. They love sitting on this perch and looking around. The photo below was taking on a different feeder in the yard. There are two in this capture.
Photos ©CarolDM2019
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Question of
Are you interested at all in the Hummingbirds and their migration?
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Question of
Did you know these facts about Hummingbird migration?
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We’ve observed 8 different species of hummers at our feeders and at one time, counted 38 at one of our 10 feeders. It isn’t easy to count them, either, because they are nearly always moving. I’m somewhat saddened when they leave each year.
I always hate to see them leave too. Always have the ruby throats here.
Thanks, I love these beautiful hummingbirds.
Well done! Nice post!
Thank you and good to see you!
I have to say the imagined image of a hummingbird catching a ride on a goose made me laugh! I know based on your blog that it isn’t real, but now I kind of wish it was…
No it isn’t real, they are loners when they migrate, which is surprising because of their size. I would probably try catching a ride if I was a hummingbird. 🙂
The hilarity of seeing a private plane landing, and 3000 hummingbirds coming out with their carry on bags.
This is very interesting I have never seen one but they seem lovely birds. Yes, I am interested in knowing more about them
I thought it was interesting. I love learning about nature.
I really enjoyed learning about the habits of hummingbirds.
Thank you I am glad to hear that!
My pleasure to give high praise for your articles.
I do not know about colibri because they do not live with us … thanks for the interesting information
Thank you for reading my friend.
I am very happy to see your posts,dear Carol
They’re fascinating to learn about!
So small yet so independent and brave!!
Yes I agree and glad to see you do as well. Very independent birds.
Thank you for educating us more on Hummingbird migration patterns! They are beautiful birds!
And thank you for being interested. Yes they are beautiful.
Thanks for the very interesting data. I did not know that.
And thank you for visiting and reading.
I love humming birds. They are so cute. I have often gotten close to them, as I watch them go from flower to flower. I wish I could metabolize sugar at half the rate they can!!
Same here, and so interesting to learn about. I agree with you. Thanks!