Warm Fall, Slow Migration?
September 25, 2017 by Rita Welch
 

The first official week of fall brought warm temperatures to many places along the migration trail and observers enjoyed lingering hummingbirds.

 

"There were hummers moving through this weekend. First year that I've had so many around this late in the season. Loving it," wrote Theresa LeMire from Windsor, Ontario on September 24, 2017

Passing Through
This week observers reported unseasonably warm temperatures, fading flowers, and migrating hummers briefly stopping by flowers and feeders to refuel before moving on. In places where sightings are diminishing, people were on the lookout for stragglers.

Oakdale, Minnesota
"Observed 5 female or juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds this evening. Very warm today with high of 94°F."
- Mike, September 22, 2017

Newburgh, Indiana
"I was surprised to see an adult male at the feeders tonight. He must be passing through as I haven't seen one in awhile."
- Amy, September 21, 2017

Monticello, Indiana
"At least one still feeding from feeder. VERY HOT this week. Over 90°F. I expect them to be here two more weeks if history holds true."
- Robin, September 24, 2017

When do hummingbirds typically leave from your area each year? Are this year's visitors leaving when they normally do? earlier? later?

Nectar — and Protein
In addition to nectar, hummers need protein.

"The hummingbird in this photo was really trying hard to get all the gnats that were flying around," wrote Denise Salvatore from New York.

Hummingbirds will eat most any soft-bodied bugs they can swallow whole: fruit flies, gnats, aphids, and tiny spiders, plus their eggs and larvae. If you have an insecticide-free lawn and garden, you’ll be helping hummers find bugs for protein.

 

 
North to South
Caledon, Ontario
Michele Blanchard
 
East Islip, New York
Denise Salvatore
 
Rockwall, Texas
Wendy Graham
Spotlight: How Do Hummingbirds Drink Nectar?

As you observe hummingbirds at your flowers and feeders, do you wonder about how they drink up the nectar? This video shows how a hummingbird's tongue gets liquid into its mouth.

journal
Report Your Sightings

Report at least once per week while hummingbirds are present. With your help, our map will show where hummingbirds are present during the fall migration season.

 


Hummingbird fall sightings
Map | List

 
Next Update October 2, 2017
 
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