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Thursday, September 30, 2010

"Buh-bye" Ruby-throated Hummers

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

One of the last hummingbirds of the season here, tanking up on nectar at our Salvia "Lady in Red", fuel for its long migration. It has a little pale pollen on it's forehead which it will transfer to the next salvia bloom, being the reproductive cupid for the plant.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can go around, or some cross the Gulf of Mexico on their way to their wintering grounds in Central America. Before they cross they feed heavily and can double their weight relying on that fuel for the journey. A few may winter along the Gulf coast and in FL.

Our last hummingbirds have pretty much passed through our yard here in NH. We haven't seen one for a week. The last hummingbirds through are usually young birds, hatched north of here.
"Buh-bye" (remember the Seinfeld episode where they greet passengers leaving the plane with lots of "buh-byes") and safe journey.

If you have a hummingbird show up in the Northeast after all the others have left, look closely, it could be a Rufous Hummingbird, a rare visitor.

2 comments:

Bird Feeders said...

I'm already missing my frequent hummingbird visitors. Maybe I'll get lucky with a Rufous Hummingbird! These little birds certainly have a long journey ahead. (Thanks for pointing out the pollen the hummer's forehead, great detail!)

Anonymous said...

Love the photo. I live in southwest lower Michigan. The hummingbirds left early last week. I miss them all ready.
Lynda in Michigan.