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Some
people say to take down hummingbird feeders in the fall so
the birds will know it's time to head south. Not true! The
urge to go is triggered by sunlight, not lack of
food. If you leave a feeder up until it freezes, you might
see more migrants pass through on their trip south!
Photo: Russ Thompson |
Even
after school lets out, be sure to keep looking and listening for
hummingbirds. What signs tell you that young hummers have fledged,
or that migration is about to begin? Here are some things to look
for:
- Shorter
days (fewer hours of daylight).
- A
rubythroat with a tiny patch of red on its throat: a young male.
- Female
rubythroats "showing" young ones where to feed. It's
a rare chance to see hummers acting peaceful!
- More
hummers than usual zipping to your feeder and flowers, taking
longer sips, and returning more often.
- More
aggression around hummingbird food sources.
Keep
notes this summer in your hummingbird journals, then come back in
the spring to participate and watch these tiny powerhouses make
an amazing return journey north! |
