Spring Migration 2019
I want to share a photo with you that was taken towards the end of February 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. We are fortunate to have several species of Hummingbirds which winter and live here year around. The most common ones in my area are the Anna's, Costa and Broad-Billed Hummingbirds. There are also a few Black Chinned, Broad-tailed Hummers and Calliopes too. I can't tell what type of Hummer is in this photo, but you can see that there is snow. Snow is rare here, so it is a treat to see a Hummingbird juxtaposed with snow in the Sonoran Desert! The snow melted in a few hours, probably to the relief of the Hummer, and just as well, they have to feed often to keep themselves warm and any available flowers were covered with snow. This brings me to the topic of the blog: Spring Migration 2019 and it is happening now. I am seeing twice the number of birds in my yard and the feeders are needing to be filled twice daily as the birds fill up on their way to parts as far north as Canada. Consequently, now is the time to check and clean your feeders and fill them in anticipation of the arrival of these winged jewels. Most Hummingbirds will begin to arrive along the West and East Coasts in early to mid March for breeding and continue into April. From there, Humming birds will move north into the Midwest and Western states and on up to the North West and North East. You can help track the Spring Migration at your location by visiting the following website and entering your sightings for the type and number of birds that visit your feeders: https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2019-map.htm.
Once the Hummingbirds have arrived, provide nectar and cotton batting (or fluff from milkweed, if you happened to save it) tied into small bunches on nearby tree branches for nesting material. Experts advise against using dryer lint or polyester filling because these fibers do not wick the moisture away from the chicks. If the chicks get chilled from moisture, they will lose body heat and possibly die. Moisture also encourages mold which could also sicken the chicks. Lastly, have other birding supplies on hand: sugar, water, ant moats or ant guards, swings, perches, etc. Then, sit back and enjoy Spring as it unfolds in all it's glory!
Happy Birding!