Hummingbirds benefit from being solo fliers. The tiny birds are harder to spot by predators because they do not fly in a flock. When they stop frequently to refuel, they don't have to find food sources abundant enough to feed a large group. Their mode of powered flight doesn't depend on air currents that flocks of ducks or geese generate when traveling together. Overall, the habitat needs of a migrant — for food, water, shelter, and space — are more easily met when hummers fly solo.
"I'm getting a few stragglers per day. One or two, then three or four, it varies."
Richard Samuel Fayetteville, North Carolina 08/28/14
Geri DeBoer
