Hummingbird Still hanging around

tmc2009

7 years ago

I hope this Hummingbirds knows when to start heading South with cooler temperatures forecast and October around the corner.

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

7 years ago

And not all hummers migrate!! In my area, Anna's are year round residents. My feeders are up year round and it is not unusual to see them at feeders during one of our infrequent snowfalls. I grow all sorts of winter flowering plants that they will feed off of as well. Occasionally we see a few of the other more migratory species (Allen's rufous, etc) that hang around all winter as well.

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Comments (7)

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
7 years ago
Nice video, tmc2009!

I saw a juvenile male hummingbird here in SE coastal MA on October 21, 2016. He hung around my feeder until October 29, 2016 and I didn't see him again.

I asked a well-known ornithologist about this and he gave me a lot of information on late-migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you scroll down to the end of this link

Hummingbird Spring Migration 2016

you can read a quote from him discussing the issue. Bottom line is that the hummer may be genetically programmed to migrate late (or could be injured) but may still be able to migrate safely when she decides to leave.

Claire
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
7 years ago
Wow that video is spectacular. So close, so clear! Thank yo for sharing. I'm sure she will make her way soon. She'll be well fed when she goes.
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User
7 years ago
I have been wondering about this - I have a big purple salvia ( a non-native tender annual). We have a hummingbird who LOVES this salvia, and comes every day for the nectar. But its the end of September - should I cut down the salvia? I'm afraid its encouraging her to stick around here in the north longer than she should. There's no sign of frost, so the salvia will just keep going, and I'm worried about our bird. Thanks for any advice!
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
7 years ago
Don't cut down the salvia! According to hummingbirds.net/feeders

"When to Take Down the Feeder
Hummingbirds will not delay migration if a feeder is present; they are driven by forces more powerful than hunger. "

Hummingbirds will migrate when the time is right for them. Having food available just allows them to fatten up so they're in good condition to migrate. When the time comes the hummingbird will leave the salvia behind.

Claire
User
7 years ago
Oh thank you both so much, Claire and gardengal! I have been really worried about our girl, but I just didn't know what was the right thing to do. The salvia stays, and I hope she continues to enjoy it (she also likes the impatiens in the window box close by). Thanks again!!!
gyr_falcon
7 years ago
In New Jersey, the hummingbirds should all migrate. Some may be late getting weight up to make the trip, so additional nutrition would help them. Often it is the younger, later hatched, birds. As Claire wrote, feeding availability won't affect migration. Occasionally, a bird will fail to migrate--there may be an illness or disease problem that might not be apparent to observers.