To be so small, hummingbirds have incredible migration patterns.
They literally fly thousands of miles between their overwintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to their breeding grounds throughout North America.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds, which are the primary ones that most of us see, can fly 500 miles nonstop.
But there are ways you can help a hummingbird.
Sugar, as in glucose, is a great food and energy source for these tiny birds as they get ready to head farther south. And do they ever love sugar!
The recipe is simple: four parts water to one part pure cane sugar. Do not use honey or brown sugar, as this can make the hummingbirds sick.
Boil this solution and allow it to cool before adding it to the feeders. It’s not uncommon to have to make several batches a week.
Hummingbirds have a really high metabolism. They beat their wings 50 times a second and have a heart rate of over 1,000 beats a minute. Because of the energy needed to sustain that kind of effort, they can consume twice their body weight every day.
So, enjoy the hummingbirds this fall. And then one day, they’ll all be gone. Until next spring.
