Are you noticing more hummingbirds at the feeders?
Now that more frequent cold fronts are passing through North Carolina, their migration is underway, and it will be for the next several weeks.
According to hummingbirdcentral.com, hummingbirds can travel up to 23 miles a day. That means it will take weeks for them to settle into their wintering ground. It also means that they’ll need plenty of energy.
Before flying south toward Mexico and Central America, research shows they gain 25% to 40% of their body weight.
What is the general migration path?
There are several different species of hummingbirds in North America. Generally, their path takes them farther south during September and October. More specifically, they’ll find their wintering grounds in places like Mexico and Central America.
Fall migration pattern according to hummingbirdcentral.comWhen/how do they know to “pack their bags?”
Research indicates that hummingbirds can sense the loss in daylight in mid and northern latitudes. For instance, we lose more than an hour of daylight in the month of September. This plays a role on the flowers, nectar and insects available for them to eat.
In addition, they rely on tail wind and the subsequent cooler weather to drive them south.
Why hummingbirds migrate south in September and OctoberWhen is it time to bring the feeders in?
Hummingbird season is nearly six months long in North Carolina! Depending on the weather, they arrive sometime in April and they can last up until October.
Hummingbird season in North Carolina
I’m no hummingbird expert, but I’d recommend leaving the feeders out until roughly Halloween.
For feeders, cleaning methods, proper mixtures to put in, etc., check here!
Send us your pictures and videos!
Check out the video here from Tony Brigman in Sanford. They were swarming the feeders!
Paula Cato Schenker got a beautiful shot of a ruby-throated hummingbird in Durham, too.
Paula Cato Schenker – Durham
You can submit your pictures and videos through wral.com/reportit here!
Have questions about the weather and how it works?
Send me an email with the subject line ‘Ask the Meteorologist:’ to cmichaels@wral.com.