Hummingbirds Are Flying South

Beginning in August, millions of hummingbirds will travel to Mexico and Central America as part of an instinctive migration pattern they have followed for hundreds of years.  For many, this trip includes a trans-gulf, non-stop flight that takes approximately 18-22 hours and covers 500 to 600 miles.  Hummingbirds migrate alone, not in flocks.  They fly during the day, and fly low so they can find food along the way. 

Leave those feeders up!  Filled feeders will NOT keep birds from migrating, and will help these tiny travelers complete the journey.

A high-calorie diet is important to sustain these very active birds and to build fat reserves for their migratory trip.  Weighing as little as a penny, hummingbirds possess the fastest metabolism of any warm-blooded animal on the planet, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar every day.  The color red is a visual cue that lets hummingbirds know food is available, so brightly colored feeders will get their attention as they pass through. There is no need to add red coloring to their food.  When you realize you haven't seen any hummers for a while, wait another two weeks or so for any stragglers.