Migration is in full swing!

[Susan M. Campbell]

Hummingbird migration has been going on for several weeks now across the US. But it is far from over. Even folks with feeders in more northerly latitudes shoudl not put their feeders away yet. There is the possibility of a late migrant for at least a few more weeks in the northeast as well as the upper Midwest and far Northwest. And it is the time to be on the look out for vagrants. Here in the Southeast, Rufous Hummingbirds are being spotted. Two banded males returned to heir wintering feeders here in NC in August. But now female and immature Selasphorus types (likely Rufous) are appearing--right on schedule.

Western species of hummingbird that are cold-adapted can and do overwinter in the southern US. Feeders certainly help these tiny marvels through very cold and wet weather, but they are well-equipped to find the necessary insect prey they require. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, among others, can handle winters southward from the North Carlina and Tennessee borders down through the Gulf states.

As colder temperatures set in, watch your feeder carefully--especially in the early morning. If you continue to see a hummingbird or have one suddenly appear after the first frost, let me know. It could be a very significant situation that warrants follow up by myself or one of my fellow researchers. Overwintering hummingbirds are of great interest to a number of us.

Although I still have a good number of Ruby-throateds here now, I have my hopes up that a wintering hummer will find me this year. I will be watching my late season perennials and feeders very carefully--especially between Halloween and Thanksgiving when one is most likely to show up.

So keep those feeders up and your eyes peeled!!

Susan Campbell

[Jean Pell]

Hi Susan,

I have kept one Hummingbird feeder up year-round for 2 years now. I have a friend that lives 15 miles from me that had a Black-Chinned and Rufus visit her feeder between November and January a few years back. I haven't been so lucky thus far. Maybe this will be the year! I will certainly let you know if I see a Hummingbird this winter.

[Tim Hammonds]

We live in North Central Texas and always take down our Hummingbird feeders, when we see no more hummers. Never knew some stay over during the winter.
The Hummers are my wife's special. Martins are mine. I will make sure she sees and reads this information. Possibly we have missed a golden chance to help winter Hummers and increase our viewing a bit longer. We do care for a lot of other species with seed feeding (black oil sunflower) and watering, thru bird bath and a 1500 gallon water garden.
Tim Hammonds
Boyd, TX

[Susan M. Campbell]

Indeed if you maintain sugar water feeders all year in the East, you may attract a hummer or two in the winter. The further south you are, the greater the chances. And being close to water or some sort (even if it is a small pond or water feature) increases the odds a good bit.You will still need to change the solution regularly-- but only about every ten days to two weeks.

Using the recommended 4:1 (water:sugar) solution, the liquid will not freeze until the air temp around the feeder drops below 27o. For may of us this is only an issue at night. And there is no problem with bringing in feeders at nightfall as long as they are rehung at first light.

Certainly zap me an email if you have a hummingbird after first frost in your area. Many of the individuals that overwinter in the southeastern US do not have distinctive plumage. Unfortunately, these are typically females/immatures and not colorful adult males.

Susan Campbell
susan@ncaves.com

[berdlover416]

I am surprised the Hummers are still here. They are all over the feeders. I thought they left earlier than this. Anyone know what's going on?

I do not have as many as a month ago but many more than expected are here at this time.

Thanks, Cathy Northwest Louisiana

[Susan M. Campbell]

Indeed Cathy-- not surprising you are still seeing hummers. I had one remaining ruby-throated until yesterday. They may have done well breeding up north this summer given how many folks have had rubys late this fall. Enjoy the show--most are likely to depart with the cooler air behind this last front.

Susan Campbell

[berdlover416]

I saw a hummer here yeaterday and today. We have had a few cold fronts come through. Temps have been down in the 50's for the low.

I have fresh fluid out for the hummer. Not sure if it is the same bird or different birds. I only see one at a time.

Always a pleasure to see them. Maybe these are hummers on their way south, just stopping in for a drink.

Cathy