Hummingbirds Have Started Their Migration

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Hummingbirds are only about two to three inches long. 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. 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. That time has come unfortunately. The hummingbirds have not been seen here at my feeders for two days. I think they have started their migration. But they will return next spring. Sharing a favorite photo of two hummingbirds at my deck feeder.