Ramblings-n-Writings

Okay, this post is totally unrelated to writing or blogging, but I really wanted to share the Hummingbird Migration Map site. I absolutely love this site. Every year we eagerly watch the progress of the ruby-throated hummingbirds moving up the eastern half of the U.S.

How does the map work? Hummingbird watchers report the date they see their first hummer, and the date is logged on a huge map of the U.S. and Canada. The dates are also color-coded. In fact, the first hummingbirds for 2008 were reported this week in the Gulf Coast area!

If you are curious to know when hummers will arrive in your area, there is an archive of maps from the previous years so you can figure out the approximate date. From studying the archives as well as logging our first hummer last year, I know to hang up my feeders between April 15 and 20. (Update 4/17/08 – I saw my first hummer for 2008! About 8 p.m. tonight he buzzed by the kitchen window. I put the feeders out on 4/10 because a hummer was spotted in W.Va. on 4/9. Guess ours was a little slower getting here. I’m hoping this is one of ours and not one passing through.)

If your feeders are hanging at the right time, the more chance you have of attracting new hummingbirds. (Hummingbirds tend to return to the same locations each year, but you can occasionally pick up a few new hummers.) Plus having an accurate date helps ensure the sugar water is fresh when the hummers fly in.

Last year, we averaged about 8 hummers on an hourly basis although at times we counted as many as 11 at our two feeders. At times I wondered if we would need to install an air traffic control tower on our front porch! Across the street at my in-laws, they averaged about 6 hummers. I realize some hummers used both of our feeders, but I think we also had some that didn’t because of territorial lines.

Oh, the site also has great information about caring for your feeders, what to feed your hummers (forget buying the stuff in the store – plain sugar and water works great), as well as all the plants that attract hummingbirds. If you’ve never had hummingbirds, give it a try this year. You will be delighted and fascinated by these flying wonders. They also make great photography subjects too!