Not too long ago, I mentioned that the hummingbird migration map for this year was showing the birds well on their way for this year. At the time, they had been spotted in Pennsylvania as they were working their way north. Now, they are here.
I haven’t had any direct reports, but there have been Nova Scotia sightings reported to the migration map people. At least four so far, and I’m sure more will be coming soon.
It’s quite a journey when you think of it. These little tiny birds spend the winter around the Gulf of Mexico, then fly an extremely long distance to spend their summers here. They look rather small and delicate. Which, if you have ever watched any territorial spats around a feeder, you know very well they are not.
I find it quite amazing when those little things starting fighting and loudly smacking into each other. Obviously, hummingbirds have no idea they are small and delicate. They missed that memo. Instead, they seem to have gotten the message that they are tough and nearly indestructible. And armed with a large face spike that gives them no end of confidence in mid air jousting.
There are those concerned that they may be coming too early. That there aren’t many things in bloom for them yet. But a good part of their diet is actually insects, so they should be okay.
They generally arrive around the first of May, so they are probably pretty close to on time. I guess it’s time to mix up some sugar water and get the feeder out. Although don’t use red colouring. It does nothing to attract them, and there is evidence the dye can actually harm the birds.
But they have been spotted. Time to get those feeders out.
