Doug (formerly known as D)and I have fallen in love with hummingbirds. We set up a feeder next to the patio door so we can watch them inside or out. We have four that have really entertained us this summer.
I’ve grown quite fond of these tiny creatures, one female in particular. She would fly to me, whether I was sitting down at the cabin, or in the backyard. She would get very near my face and just hover. And I’d talk to her. Then she’d fly away.
I’ve researched the monarch butterfly and now I find myself studying hummingbirds. I’m so intrigued with both.
Just as remarkable as the monarch, the ruby-throated hummingbird migrates to Mexico as well. At least those that summer in the Midwest states. They are solitary birds so they make the long journey alone. Many will fly 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. They don’t stop for food or water or rest. They can’t. Some birds have found about safer route along the border of the Gulf to travel. They winter in Mexico and Central America.
Hummingbirds can live approximately 5 years in the wild. The longest on record is nine years and one month. That is a lot of trips across the water.
Our feeder fed four hummers this summer. Late last month an additional six stopped by for a few days. I am assuming they left their summer homes further north and made a stop here to replenish for their journey.
Our last girl left early last week. Feeders should be left up for two weeks after the last sighting in case there are some late travelers passing through. Many reports suggest leaving the feeders up through mid-October. Mature hummers often hang back a little longer before making their journey. It is a myth that they won’t leave if feeders are left out. They are regulated by daylight hours and temperatures. They know when it’s time to go.
I finished writing my children’s story and am currently looking for an illustrator. Although I can’t share my story with you yet, I do feel like a character in the story. Watching a friend leave is hard. That’s how I feel. I hope our hummers are safe and come back to us in the spring. They often return to the area where they were born. We’ll be waiting and watching.
Monarchs and hummingbirds. Tiny, delicate creatures that perform such enormous feats, and the hummingbird does it all alone. I’m sure there’s a lesson here for us to learn.
♥️
Andi
