Before Migration Begins
Before Migration Begins, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds double their weight from 3 grams to over 6 grams prior to departing. They don’t stay pudgy for long, though. In northward migrations, it’s not uncommon for a hummingbird to weigh around 2.5 grams when it reaches U.S. shores!
Each year, hummingbirds embark on two migrations – one north and one south. These migratory journeys, which can span hundreds or thousands of miles, require immense preparation and a shocking amount of energy from these small birds – the smallest in the world.
In the fall hummingbirds can set out as early as late July and the last stragglers will cross the southern U.S. border by late October. It’s this amazing cycle of hummingbird migration that can also bring a sudden swarm of activity to your hummingbird feeders. If you have a well-maintained hummingbird feeder, expect plenty of new visitors as they try to boost their energy before the next stage of their journey.
I am taking lots of photographs of them right now before they leave. I look forward to seeing them again next year.
Before Migration Begins
21 Replies to “Before Migration Begins”
Such a long journey and look how you have captured their feathers in all the iridescent beauty. Safe travels to them.
Yes, safe travels and the hope to see them next year
Well, you and I would like to jump right to Spring … they might enjoy their vacation in Mexico if that’s where they head. I know the Monarchs head to Mexico.
These are great little guys We had a blight come through and it was suggested that all feeders come down for a while I haven’t seen one in a week so It’s good to see pictures
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Laugh!! Try It You’ll Like It
I have never heard of a blight. Yes I am enjoying them as much as possible. I will have to write down when they leave so I remember and can track them to see who comes back.
Great 👍👍
Thanks Sandra, for this information and the great photos. I appreciate you capturing these little guys so well. I know it cannot be easy to do. Taking pictures of hummingbirds in their natural element must be a real challenge for a photographer and whoever does it as well as you do proves the excellence you have acquired.
You have once again given your readers something to think about and consider. On the one hand they are just little birds doing what they have always done. On the other hand, something great and majestic takes place in the lives of these little birds whenever migration time occurs. They know a journey is coming and must be made. They know they must prepare for the journey. Then they must make the journey. And then do it all again when they return. If they refuse the migration they die. I would think some may die on the way. But it is a journey that must be made. The great many of them are successful each and every year.
What is the Lord telling us?
Blessings to you
Yes RJ. That puts a lump in my throat and goose bumps on my arms. The more I learn about nature and the instructions that are written in the hearts and the DNA of such nature, birds, animals, the more I see our Father teaching us and reminding us everyday that we all have a purpose. He is showing us the way through the life he created around us, he is showing us the journey that eventually will lead us home if we will open our hearts and minds and see what He puts before us. When ever I say, He is leading us home, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. Thank you RJ
I just read your words to my husband sitting here at the breakfast table and the hair on his arms raised up as well.
Fabulous photos !
Thanks, Sandra. Have a great day.
You to Francine, thank you 😊
May the Lord protect them on their journey and return them next year. Thank you for sharing not just a moment but a lifecycle of these wonderful creatures.
You are very welcome Gerry, they are such amazing little birds that His hands created for our eyes to witness.
You are right, Sandra, to take many pictures of these lovely little birds – it will be a long time before they return.
Yes, it is a long winter here, so it is nice to look at these photos during this time.
Stunning birds!
They really are, thank you.
Hard to believe what these tiny birds are capable of. When I saw their body weights that you write here I was really perplexed. Fortunately, it is made a little easier for these birds by the food stations. I wish them a safe journey. Thanks for the beautiful pictures Sandra.
You are very welcome Rudi, yes they let me get pretty close to them. The sound of their wings are amazing as well, they fly so fast.
Wow Sandra ! how gorgeous are they and so beautifully captured !
Thank you very much 😊