Hummingbirds and the Delicate Air Duel
Late summer to mid-fall is the best time to observe the wonderfully miniature Ruby-throated Hummingbird. To reach their wintering grounds, these remarkable birds make a 500-mile migration to Mexico by crossing the Gulf of Mexico without stopping. Saving energy for this trek is no easy task! In fall, the climate cools, plants fall out of bloom and the days get shorter. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds duel fiercely over sources of food and solitary birds will often stand guard on high points, defending their favorite flowers. The buzz of their wings, flashes of their colorful feathers and playful chirps are astounding on an early fall morning. Because they are so small and use huge amounts of energy to power their rapid wings, hummingbirds feed more frequently than most wildlife. They not only eat sugary nectar, but also small, protein-rich insects that feed on flowers.
Viewer Tip: Attract and feed hummingbirds with a simple solution containing a one to four ratio of sugar to water in any quantity. Be sure to clean feeders often, because old sugar water can harbor microorganisms that can harm or kill hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will not forsake migration for feeders and experience no disruption of their natural patterns.
This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information visit www.gwf.org.
Season: Fall
(Source: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/id)
