Here Come the Hummingbirds!

Hummingbirds are beautiful birds that have been adored since ancient times. These remarkable creatures draw attention no matter where they go or appear. People even attract hummingbirds to their backyards by using the all famous hummingbird feeder. My dad loves birds and has a hummingbird in his backyard, where they can sit inside and watch the hummingbirds fly up and eat for hours.

Did you know that hummingbirds (the Ruby-throated species in particular) migrate every year? They begin their migration in January and return in July. The migration is vital to their survival. They migrate to more tropical areas (such as southern Mexico and northern Panama), where insects and flowers are abundant. When they migrate, they do so individually, not as flocks (or groups of birds). Males depart first and the females follow about ten days later. The migration takes about three months.

Did you know that there are all kinds of different species of hummingbirds? The species include Allen’s Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-Chinned Hummingbird, Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, and Rufus Hummingbird. Who knew there were so many different species of Hummingbirds?

You can observe these magnificent birds by inviting them into your backyard with the hummingbird feeder. A hummingbird feeder would be an excellent birthday gift, teacher’s gift, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift.