These iridescent jewels, weighing less than a penny, are embarking on an astonishing journey that will take them thousands of miles south to their wintering grounds.
A September Spectacle
If you've noticed a sudden surge in activity around your hummingbird feeders or a flurry of tiny wings flitting among late-blooming flowers, you're witnessing the peak of this annual exodus. Throughout September, our local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only breeding hummingbird species in the eastern U.S., are engaged in a critical mission: fueling up for an epic voyage.
"It's truly incredible to think about the distances these tiny birds cover," says local bird enthusiast, Sarah Jenkins. "One moment they're zipping around our rhododendrons, and the next, they're preparing for a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico."
Destination: Central America
Their ultimate destination? The warmer climates of southern Mexico and Central America, with some venturing as far south as Panama. This remarkable journey can span up to 2,000 miles, with many birds undertaking an astonishing 500-mile, non-stop flight across the vast expanse of the Gulf. To prepare for such an arduous trip, hummingbirds must build up significant fat reserves, often gaining 25-40% of their body weight. This is why your feeders are bustling now – they're essentially filling their tiny fuel tanks!
Helping Our Feathered Friends
For those of us in Western NC who cherish these airborne gems, there are a few ways to assist them on their migration:
Keep Feeders Clean and Full: Continue to offer fresh, clean sugar water (a 4:1 water to granulated sugar solution, no red dye needed).
Don't Rush to Take Feeders Down: Many experts recommend keeping your feeders up for at least two weeks after you spot your last hummingbird. This ensures that any late stragglers or young, inexperienced migrants still have access to vital energy sources. There's a common misconception that leaving feeders out will prevent birds from migrating, but their internal biological clock, not food availability, dictates their departure.
Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers: Consider planting late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers like Salvia, Zinnia, and Bee Balm to provide natural food sources.
So, as you enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves of a Western North Carolina autumn, take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary resilience and determination of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Their departure signals the closing of one season and the promise of their return, a vibrant reminder of nature's endless cycle.
WNCTimes