My hubby and I have noticed our hummers coming less to the feeder. I change it twice a week and keep it in the shade, so I don't think it is the feeder. They usually stay here until the end of Sept. We are wondering where they go from here. I know they go to South America, but is there a map of their migration route?
hummer migration
smooth,
I do believe they go to Mexico. Mine have allready left, only getting a stragler or 2.
SandyD:
Thanks . I think mine are getting ready to leave and they are leaving a month earlier than usual. I was worried about them getting tangled up w Frances.
Jay (smooth)
Go to google punch in whatever your hummers are migration route. I got the range of the ones that are here that way.www.google.com
This message was edited Sep 3, 2004 7:55 PM
Hi Smooth--Here's a link that gives some good information about HB habits and the southern migration of Ruby-throated HB's (the ones most common in the eastern US), as well as the large variety of HB's common to the west and extreme south---
http://www.hummingbirds.net/migration.html
Ours left about two weeks ago--maybe it has something to do with the weather patterns--not only 'Frances', but the cool wet summer hereabouts--maybe their favorite plants have finished so they left...
We have an occasional bird stopping, but they must be on their migration path, according to Hummingbirds.net....
Sorry to see summer end and the birds on their way to Mexico and Texas. Good luck. t.
Thanks for the links. My hubby and I will enjoy checking them out. I love the weather this time of yr (well usually, except for the hurricanes), but sure miss those little hummers when they go.
Jay (smooth)
Our hummingbirds are still here and feeding furiously on both feeders and flowers. They are usually here until late Oct. Jenny
In fact we seem to have more. Probably the ones from up north, heading south.
You're right ImWay. I had just never thought of it like that. Guess they are closer to warm weather here and wait till the last minute to leave. Jenny
sh and imway--just wondering--what kinds of hummingbirds do you have at your feeder? Do you get the ruby throateds (that are common all summer here in the Eastern US) stopping in late summer/fall on their way down to Mexico? Do you get a variety of HB's all summer? Just wondering. They are fascinating....t.
Ruby throated spring thru fall here.
Ruby throated, rufous and green-violet ear. Think what we are seeing now are migrators, though. We've had a ruby throated there on the feeder all day.
Our favorite little female rufous seems to be gone. We called her "Pooper" because she always performed that function while feasting. She lived in our oak tree right near the feeder and fought off any others that dared go near her feeder. A few snuck in when she was dozing. When she comes back next yr, think we should give her a more delicate name!
Jay (smooth)
I must have a relative of her at my house!
monterey:
Loved that shot. Ours is much smaller, but boy is she the boss!!
Jay
I also have noticed more hummers lately. Maybe it is because I'm here in Tx. The only ones I've ever seen at my feeders are ruby throateds. I've noticed them all summer chasing eachother off the feeders, but yesturday evening, they were fussing, but nobody was leaving the feeder. I saw four doing this. Maybe soon, they'll just decide it's easier to just share. Everyone would get more sugar that way, but I'm sure that's not how they think.
As I look out my window there is a Ruby perched on a tiny branch chirping his fool head off and sharpening is beak. I don't think he has sharing on his mind.
LOL. I think you're right.
Yup .. they may very well be readyin' up to depart further south ...
I've still got a few here in NW Arkansas .. but NO where near the #'s I'd seen only a week or two ago!!
Looks to be a mere half dozen, that is patroling the feeders .. but, a bit more easily frazzled than normal.
We're having a wee cool front coming thru also (tues nite) .. and the temps are forecast to stay pretty
much in the lower-to-mid 50's .. for the remainder of the week too ...
Our weather is forecast for Harrison, AR .. which is an hour north of us, but is in a valley. We're at about
1800 - 2000 ft elevation .. and it certainly is usually several degrees cooler on us here - than Harrison!
I'm lookin' for us to possibly see upper 40's a nite or two ... Gonna be nice to let up the windows, open the
sliding door .. and feel the 'cool' ...
Most anyplace further south, where the warmer temps are .. would be on the itinerary for them! hee hee
It sure seems that something is gearing up .. for the season; just a bit extraordinary ... I just 'feel' it. - mags
Me too, Mags. I'm speculating that summer might be done and over with. We have a similar forcast for later this week.
It was a 100 here today with 12% humidity. The hummers here stay all year-round. I'll make sure this year they will have food. If I set out bugs or put them by the feeder would they eat them. That is their real source of food not nectar.
I am no expert monte but, from what I've read you are right on. I have watched them catch small flying bugs in the air near the feeder. Read that they thrive on small spiders all over the garden. I have thought about setting a saucer, etc. nearby with some over ripe fruit to attract fruit flies for them. The rotting fruit attracts butterflies too.
Wish I could believe that we will have an early winter. It usually stays hot through November here. I've seen Christmases when we could wear shorts and had the AC on. Of course we have frosts before that. Last year the hummingbirds didn't leave till in lat Oct.
Monterey that is interesting about them eating bugs (I never knew that). You are so lucky to have them year round.