I keep hearing all the Hummingbirds have left the Northwoods. I guess ours haven’t got that memo, because I’m still seeing some on our feeder, but I know they won’t be here much longer. Keep reading and I’ll explain why but, DO NOT TAKE DOWN YOUR FEEDER YET. Of all the birds we see on the feeders our favorite is and always will be the Ruby-Throated hummingbird. We understand the fall migration of hummingbirds is for their survival, but after seeing so many outside our kitchen window during the summer, their absence is going to be a little disappointing.

There have been different views/studies on what triggers the start of hummingbird migration. Some studies believe it’s all about shorter day light hours, not temperatures or food availability. Others say the cooler weather is the contributing factor. Yet another one suggests it’s mostly the lack of food. I’m not an ORNITHOLOGIST (had to look that one up, lol) but I believe it has something to do with, pure instinct.

So, how do hummingbirds know when it’s time to build up fat reserves before migrating?  Even though they are the smallest, hummingbirds are the most intelligent of ALL BIRDS and realize the change in their surroundings. I believe it’s because the daylight hours are getting shorter and flowers that they have been getting nectar from (for carbs) are about to die. They also realize insects (for protein) are harder to find. With those three indicators, they know it’s time to head south.

Hummingbirds need to increase their body weight 40% to survive their journey so no matter the reason, by late August into September, they are done breeding and fall migration starts. Male hummingbirds will leave first, followed by females and then the juvenile Ruby’s leave last.

Unlike other migrating birds, hummingbirds migrate alone. While flying, their wings will flap 50 to 70 times per second with their heart beating 1,200 times a minute. The RUBY-THROATED hummingbirds that called our yard home this summer can travel 500 miles a day and will arrive at their winter home in 2 to 4 weeks. Hopefully the hummingbirds enjoy their winter sipping nectar in the sun and rest before they embark on their spring journey north back to the red feeder we put up.

Now about not taking your hummingbird feeds down just yet. Even though you haven’t seen a hummingbird at your feeder, there could be juvenile hummers still here and WILL need to eat whatever insects they can find and lap up as much nectar as they can before they migrate south.