Don't know why they leave FL early. Maybe with such a long summer they get done with nesting and have some time on their hands to travel and see the world ;) Some people say they cross the gulf both ways. Others say only going north. I sure wouldn't want to get caught in a hurricane on my way to Yucatan even if I was in a plane, much less if I was a tiny bird that can't swim. I found a page that has some interesting things to say about how birds migrate in different weather. If I read it right a tropical storm or hurricane in the gulf would cause north winds in FL, west winds from AL to LA, and south winds in TX. Maybe hummingbirds and other birds follow those winds around the gulf instead of crossing? Makes sense to me.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to read the weather from a songbirds's point of view.

Thank you Sidk for answering, and that was an interesting link. Gives me one less thing to worry about. J

sidk

Thanks for posting that link, very interesting. Many people will be able to understand a little better with that info. A good one to have bookmarked.