Hummingbirds’ Southward Migration Has Begun!

You may have noticed more Hummingbirds at your feeders lately, including the Rufous Hummingbird! This is due to the hummingbird migration southward to Mexico and Central America that happens each year late summer and early fall.

These fascinating birds have a strong instinct to migrate and the males tend to migrate before the females. In the southwestern regions of the U.S., the Rufous Hummingbird is usually the last to migrate through on its trek from Alaska and Washington state areas. It can be spotted in mid-October in the Southwest still feeding at feeders. These impressive birds have one of the longest migration patterns for their size.

Please remember, even if your feeders are full, hummingbirds will leave when it’s time, due to decreasing daylight and other environmental cues. Each year, the timing of migration varies within a window of several weeks, depending on natural food supplies and weather. Continue to make food available for late migrants helping them refuel along the way. Fill your feeders with a solution of four parts water and one part sugar, and keep
the feeder out for three weeks after the last hummingbird has visited.