Date: 09/11/2023

Number: 12

Many of our Rubies have left over the last couple of days. We finally got some much needed rain Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, while I was outside tending to the bird feeders, there was tremendous play and chase. This morning, it was remarkably different. We still have quite a few, at least a dozen or so, but nothing like what we had. I think many of them were waiting for a good rain to take a bath before their long journeys.

I'm fairly certain that 2 of our 3 adult resident males (Sparky and Maverick) left on Saturday (9th) morning. I observed all 3 on Friday afternoon. Both yesterday and today, I could only find one (Spritey). Interestingly, last year, Maverick left on the 8th and Sparky on the 9th. Sprite waited until the 14th. We'll see what day he decides to head south this year.

As for so many who love their hummingbirds. this is such a bittersweet time of year. You can start to feel Fall in the air, which is nice and refreshing after a long, hot summer. Most of us are exhausted (in a good way) from tending to our gardens and hummingbird feeders. Yet, when our little Ruby friends start to head out and you don't hear as much of their chatter and squeaking, there is an emptiness and sadness. I know they have to go, but they sure will be missed. They share our gardens for 6 months or so each year, but they fill our hearts forever. My husband, our 4 year old daughter, and I all pray for our dear little friends every night, thank God for them, and ask Him to please help them reach their destinations safely and with as much ease as possible. As our daughter prays, please let them find plenty of fresh, clean feeders, lots of yummy bugs and flowers, and smooth skies, good weather, and right wind to carry them through. God speed to all of our dear little friends.

Kernersville, NC

Latitude: 36.1 Longitude: -80.1

Observed by: Sophie
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