Each autumn, these diminutive creatures embark on a remarkable journey: hummingbirds initiate their southern migration. Despite their feather-light weight, these spirited fliers undertake voyages that dwarf those of larger birds. These tiny pollinators are indispensable for numerous indigenous plants, meticulously retracing their migration paths annually. Backyard feeders and native flora offer essential assistance, aiding hummingbirds in their perilous transcontinental treks.
As the season shifts, a minute spectacle unfolds: hummingbirds set out on their lengthy journey southward. With a weight less than that of a few coins, these spirited aviators traverse distances that would challenge birds of a much greater size. Hummingbirds are vital to the environment, transferring pollen from bloom to bloom as they feast on nectar. Indeed, many local plants rely almost entirely on hummingbirds for their propagation. By nurturing these birds, we contribute to the preservation of robust ecosystems that benefit an array of species, including ourselves.
Some hummingbirds will traverse thousands of miles, from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico and Central America, utilizing every bit of sustenance they encounter. If you wish to contribute to this awe-inspiring odyssey, it’s time to deploy your bird feeder.
Hummingbird Central informs us that the majority of hummingbirds spend their winters in Central America or Mexico, returning to the north in the spring. Their migration is prompted by alterations in daylight and the availability of blossoms and insects. Once on the move, their pace is astonishing: “During migration, a hummingbird’s heart can pump up to 1,260 times a minute, and its wings can flutter 15 to 80 times per second,” the site details. Some species can cover 23 miles in a single day, while others can traverse 500 miles in one go, often over open water without food or refuge.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology highlights that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the sole species to breed east of the Mississippi, can travel over 1,000 miles without stopping. “What’s most intriguing to me is how certain of these birds effectively double their body weight during migration and still manage to undertake migratory flights,” commented Theodore Zenzal, Jr., a biologist who investigated their autumnal movements across Alabama.
The notion that such minute birds undertake epic migrations has long captivated humans. “It’s almost unimaginable how a bird as light as a few pennies can endure a cross-country migration, so much so that people have concocted myths to explain it,” Anna Gibbs wrote for Audubon magazine. Ancient civilizations once believed that hummingbirds desiccated on branches during winter or that they rode on Canada Geese. The reality is even more astonishing: these tiny beings navigate their routes independently, frequently retracing the same paths year after year.
“Banded hummingbirds have been observed in the same yards year after year,” Gibbs noted, serving as evidence of their astonishing loyalty to specific resting points.
Hummingbirds require ample sustenance to power their lengthy voyages, and backyard feeders can significantly impact their journey. “It’s quite challenging for the average person to assist a Bald Eagle or Peregrine Falcon,” ornithologist Sheri Williamson told Audubon magazine. “However, you can make a real difference in the lives of hummingbirds.”
Many individuals are concerned that leaving feeders out for extended periods might deter hummingbirds from migrating, but experts agree that this is a misconception. Feeders supply crucial nourishment, particularly for birds that are late or have strayed from their usual range.
The most effective feeders are those that are simple to clean. Backyard Hummingbird, a bird guide site, suggests gravity-fed feeders with shallow reservoirs, like the First Nature model. These are budget-friendly, easy to refill, and crafted with a red hue that naturally draws hummingbirds. Just ensure to clean the feeders every two to four days with hot water to avert mold, which can be detrimental to birds.
When preparing nectar, avoid pre-packaged mixes and artificial colors. Simple sugar water (a ratio of one part sugar to four parts water) is the safest option. Planting native flowering plants is another means of offering natural nectar sources, particularly during the spring and summer.
For enthusiasts, tracking the migration is part of the enjoyment. Websites like Hummingbird Central offer interactive maps where individuals can record observations and observe as hummingbirds traverse the continent. Migration usually reaches its peak in September, but stragglers might still pass through in October, depending on the region.
