Hummingbird Migration

What does an old chicken coup and a bunch of chickens have to do with hummingbirds and hummingbird migration?

I'm glad you asked.

As a young child, the highlight of my summer was visiting my grandparents in Missouri.

It was on one of those summer vacations, in an old chicken coup on my grandfathers farm, that my passion for birds was hatched (pardon the pun!)

So, again you ask, what does that have to do with hummingbird migration?

Here's what...

I've long since grown up, but my passion for birds hasn't changed. If anything, it's just grown stronger.

Only now, my passion is for hummingbirds!

I love reading about them, writing about them, but most of all, I like watching them.

And...what better time is there for observing hummingbirds than during their migrations?

Did you know scientists estimate that more than five billion hummingbirds take part in hummingbird migration annually?

The way I see it, this creates a unique opportunity to get off the couch (stop just observing from a distance) and actively participant in this spectacular show.

"They're fascinating, I'd read about them, but there's a difference in reading about them and seeing them," said Lyndel Brennan of Carmi, Illinois. (KFVS, MO)

I've always been the type that has to be engaged in whatever I am interested in.

I like to be involved.

And my hummngbird hobby is no different.

So, what I've done is put together a list of suggestions (my favorite ways) for you to actually experience hummingbirds in a whole new, more active way.

Drum roll please...

Here they are:

* "Make Them Come To You" - where you create the optimal environment to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden and get to interact with them on a daily basis.

* "Go To Them" - where you go to the places that have become way stations and stopping off points for hummers during their migrations, giving you the opportunity to sometimes view hundreds of hummingbirds in one location!

* "Volunteer" - where you actually become trained and help band or do other volunteer work to aid those doing scientific research on hummmngbirds and as a result have an up-close and personal experience with them.

"The Secret to Making Them ComeTo You"

“I see hummingbirds and chipmunks in the yard. And my cat, princess, loves ‘the jungle’ and the hummingbirds,” Leffler said (Vail Daily)

With this method, you start by planning an ideal environment for hummingbirds. You do this by planting your yard and/or garden with the types of flowers that attract hummingbirds. Flowers that are favored by hummers include impatiens, salvia, trumpet vine, monarda and coral bells

Hummingbirds also need protein and they get this from insects, such as mosquitoes, spiders and gnats, as well as larvae and eggs, it's also a good idea to plant trees, shrubs and other natural vegetation that harbor insects.

Did you know that Hummingbirds enjoy flying through dripping water to take a bath? You should therefore consider installing a water drip for their bathing enjoyment.

Finally, put up hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird food recipes are easy to prepare. Here are some tips:

• Use one part sugar for four parts water in hummingbird feeders. (commercial nectar mix is not necessary.)
• Only use white sugar. Don't use food coloring, honey, molasses or artificial sugar.
• Change the nectar every day or two.
• Scrub the feeder weekly.
• Leave at least one feeder up until Thanksgiving.

"Go To Them"

"A large number of birds make the Nature Station one of their stops on their journey south. It is possible to see up to 200 hummingbirds in a single day at the festival." Aviva Yasgur, interpreter at the Land Between the Lakes' Woodlands Nature Station(Couirer Journal.com)

There are all kinds of Festivals and Celebrations around the country that offer you the unparalleled opportunity to experience hummingbirds as you never have before! Since many of these events are held in places that have become "way stations" or "stop-off" points for hummingbird migration, you have the opportunty to see hundreds of hummingbirds at one time and in one place.

It has been said that attending just one of these events can have a life long effect on your appreciation for these remarkable creatures.

In addition, some businesses and resorts have created "hummingbird gardens" for the sole purpose of attracting hummingbirds during migration (and maybe attract some tourists in the process?) One such example is Hontoon Landing in Florida were the owners have actually constructed a "Hummingbird Throne" where the lucky "King or Queen" can sit on his/her throne and be surrounded by a loyal court of the normally skittish creatures.

Why not find a hummingbird festival or celebration near you and plan a vacation around it? Just do a search on "hummingbird festivals" or "hummingbird celebrations", etc. to find the various events, times and dates.

"Volunteering"

"You can feel the heartbeat, his heartbeats at 1,200 beats per minute," said Spurgeon (KFVS,MO)

This is on of my favorites. It may seem that it is for "hardcore" hummingbird entusiasts, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

There are many different volunteer oportunities available, such as helping to band birds (once you are properly trained), gather data, etc.

This affords you the opportunity to have real, personal interaction with the hummers, something observing from a distance just can't provide.

One noteable organization that offers training to volunteers is the Western Bird Banding Association. Many of it's members make their banding operations accessible to visitors, apprentices, volunteers, etc.

There are others that accept volunteers, such as the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve Banding Program and lots of othes that provide banding demonstrations and other educational programs on hummingbirds.

So what are you waiting for? With all the opportunities out there, there is no reason to sit on the sidelines and just watch during hummingbird migration. Now you can actually take an active role.

If you really love hummingbirds, click here to learn the secret of hummingbird attraction.