By Wild Birds Unlimited
Photographs courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited
Beginning in August, millions of hummingbirds will travel to Mexico and Central America as part of an instinctive migration pattern that they have followed for hundreds of years. For many, this trip includes a trans-gulf, non-stop flight that takes approximately 18–22 hours and covers 500 to 600 miles. Bird enthusiasts can expect to see waves of hummingbirds visiting their feeders during this time.
At the peak of migration, bird banding studies indicate that, with very few exceptions, the hummingbirds that visit feeders on any given late-summer day are completely replaced by new migrants within 24 hours. To estimate a total number of hummingbirds using your feeders daily, multiply times five. For example, if you see 10 individual hummingbirds at your feeder at one time, you have about 50 passing through your yard that day.
Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar, insects, and sugar-water solution placed in specially designed feeders. Despite popular belief, hummingbirds do not suck up nectar with their bills. They actually lap it up with their tongues, drawing nectar from its source up and into their mouths almost 12 times a second. You can watch this remarkable tongue in action with a Wild Birds Unlimited Window Hummingbird Feeder. These feeders feature a transparent bowl that allows you to watch a hummingbird's long tongue and rapid lapping action.
A high-calorie diet is important to sustain these very active birds and to build fat reserves for their migratory trip. Hummingbirds possess the fastest metabolism of any warm-blooded animal on the planet, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar every day.
The color red is a visual cue that lets hummingbirds know food is available. The Certified Bird Feeding Specialists at Wild Birds Unlimited advise against adding red food coloring to nectar. Instead, pour the clear nectar into a red-colored feeder to attract these amazing birds. To create your own nectar, simply mix four parts water and one part sugar (for example: one cup of water to ¼ cup sugar).
For more information about hummingbirds and many other birds, visit Wild Birds Unlimited.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By Heirloom Roses
Images courtesy of Heirloom Roses
Insects can create quite a headache for rose lovers. But think about a proactive approach for your garden’s health instead of a reactive response once the pests arrive.
Think beneficial insects. Click here for an informative article on the topic.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
