The Incredible Hummingbird Migration

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I love watching the hummingbirds at my feeders each year. And I wanted to share a little about the hummingbird migration process. A member, Jose Valera @jvicentevalera asked about why these birds migrate. The reason for the migration is so they will have a warm place to l Iive in the winter. There are websites you can visit to track their migration. Very cool to watch. And yes, I follow their flight each year. There is a lot to share so I will try to shorten the process for those who are interested. Most Ruby throated hummingbirds migrate between Mexico and Panama. Ruby throated hummingbirds begin moving north as early as January, and by the end of February they are at the coast of Yucatan, feeding on insects to add a thick layer of fat to get ready for their flight to the United States. Some will visit the Gulf of Mexico and follow the Texas coast, while most cross the Gulf, leaving at dusk for a flight, never stopping, of up to 500 miles, which takes about 24 hours, depending on the weather. Hummingbirds do not flock, they take off and arrive on their own. As small as they are, they choose to fly alone. This species (ruby throated) has the longest migration of any hummingbird species. Amazing, right? These tiny three inch long birds will actually fly 500 miles and retina to the same feeders from the year before. Pretty smart birds. I could talk all day about this subject. I actually have talked a few times at the local elementary schools about the hummingbirds. The photo above was taken from my deck feeder.