I know many of you are enjoying watching the Hummingbirds flock to your feeders right now.  They are done nesting and the young fledge, more birds will gather at the feeders again.

As fall migrations commences in late summer, the numbers may decline. Although I have not noticed this, usually I get more through October.  They will usually be completely gone by October 1st or so.

It is so much fun to watch them all summer long.  I have had so much trouble with the sparrows eating the nectar this year. Never have I had that much trouble.

Most of the early summer, they are breeding and sitting on their eggs which takes 12 to 18 days. The female lays 2 eggs, very rarely more.  The eggs are white. When the babies hatch, they are the size of a honeybee, are blind and virtually naked. Unlike most birds, they are silent until they leave the nest. They are always hungry.  During their tiniest time, the female stays very near and protects them again predators. As their feathers appear, the mom spends less time at the nest.

Finally, in 18 to 28 days in the nest, the youngsters begin to leave the nest.  For the first few days the fledglings sit in a tree or shrubs, barely peeping to attract their moms attention.  As they gain strength and confidence, they will follow her to food sources, water, etc., soon learning to survive on their own.

The end of summer signals the next adventure in their life. It’s southern migration. Their internal calendar will tell them when it is time to start this. Some hummingbirds can live as long as 10 years, but most likely around five years is tops.  Weather is the biggest factor in their life.

So I would suggest, keeping your nectar fresh, and washing your feeders often, and your feeders should be busy until October 1st. They are so enjoyable and fun to watch.  Until next time, good birdwatching.