Hummingbird Migration Takes Off, Thousands Make Their Way to Warm Climates

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As I made my way outdoors this morning, I had sat in amazement at the 40 or 50 tiny winged creatures that surrounded my three little feeders. Sitting under the tree still as the morning air, they showed no fear of my presence and actually, a bit of curiosity. Although my tiny camera phone could not capture the true colours and beauty these buzzing birds behold, it was all I had at the time.

Nikki W I am standing just a few feet away under the tree image:43640:6::0

Nikki W More fly in for the feed image:43642:5::0

Nikki W They are fighting for feeding space image:43643:8::0

Hummingbirds are such a unique aviary treasure and synonymous with the beautiful flowers of spring and summer. They are the only bird who can fly backwards and their tiny little wings can flap up to 80 times per second, creating a humming sound. For some communities, they are the center of festivals and events.

However, as the summer has closed and winter is just over the horizon, the tiny creatures begin making their way back to Mexico and South America where they stay safely nestled in the warmer climates until migration time comes next spring. For some, they will take the direct route from Canada to Texas and then straight into Mexico.

For others, they make a b-line for the Gulf Coast and then skirt the sands all the way to Mexico to avoid having to make a flight across water. Still others, for whatever reason, choose to take a direct flight from land across water some 200 feet high, fighting dangerous elements in order to migrate back to the warm lands of the Caribbean or Cuba. The path they choose is the same path they chose on their first migration route.

To assist them on their journey South, kind humans prepare feeders using a sugar water blend that allows them to feed and restore rapidly depleted energy stores. These little guys can consume some 6,500 calories over a 12 hour period just to survive. More than a third of those calories are spent simply hovering over their food sources.

Nikki W It took about 90 seconds for them to all return and feed without a care. Others were still in the thicket and swamp but almost all returned while I stood in their domain. image:43644:7::0

A human would have to consume roughly 155,000 calories per day and drink about 100 gallons of water just to be on par with the hummingbird's dietary requirements.

Also, southbound hummers rely on jewelweed to refuel their bodies during this migratory time and it is speculated that the flowering of the jewelweed is spaced to facilitate appropriate timing for the birds during the southward migration.

When Hurricane Ike brought his destruction to the Gulf, he also brought disappointment to those who spend the September weekends celebrating the migrating creatures as the annual Hummer/Bird Celebration was cancelled.

So now its time to bid the migrating guys "adios" as they make their way down South.

Until next year, just keep hummin' my friends.