Hummingbirds. We have been deep in migratory Hummingbird-land for the past few days, just meandering from one canyon to the next, looking for these little gems of nature. While we have seen many hummers, John is quite selective regarding which of the many photographs he makes that he will share with me, so that I may share them with the world. Hummingbirds are a challenge to photograph because, a) they move so quickly, b) often their magnificent coloring is not evident until the sunlight shines on them “just right”, c) there is often shade in the areas in which we see them which so … less light on their feathers to bring out the colors, and d) it is preferable to photograph a hummer that is on a branch or in flight, as opposed to one sitting on a feeder. Nonetheless, witnessing the utter gloriousness of Hummingbirds is truly a gift, a gift of nature that brings us true joy.
These little marvels are incredibly adept at survival. They travel from South and Central America, over the Gulf of Mexico beginning in February, to the southern states before many of them head further north, later in the spring. Some hummers migrate all the way to Canada to breed, and as they migrate all of them are on the search for food. Hummingbirds travel alone, usually following the same flight route and often stopping to find nourishment at the same flowers or feeders at which they stopped the previous year. First year migrators must navigate instinctively — some of them do succumb to the elements, unfortunately.
Some amazing facts about Hummingbirds:
- Their hearts can beat up to 1,200 times per minute with a resting heart rate of ~ 500 beats per minute! In torpor, which is a state of deep rest typically in reaction to unexpected cold weather, their metabolism decreases by up to 95%, with a heart rate as low as 50 beats per minute.
- Their wings flap 50 times per second, with an astonishing mating display increase to 200 flaps per second!
- They can travel as far as 3,000 miles to migrate in the spring to their breeding grounds, feeding along the way, returning in the fall along a similar route back to the warmth of South and Central America!
- They can fly 20 – 30 miles per hour!
- They eat up to 3 times their body weight each day!
- Their mating rituals are fascinating with the male hummer flying up to 150 feet in the air, then dropping suddenly, uttering enticing clicks and whistles to attract a mate. Scientists have determined the speed of that drop from sky is as fast as 60 miles per hour!
- Males will mate as often as they are able, they do not participate in nest building or rearing the next generation of hummers, but it is the female who decides with which hummer she mates.
- Most females will lay 2 eggs, on which she sits for 15-18 days as they incubate. She feeds them for 18-28 days until the chicks fledge. Unfortunately, this long time in the nest makes the precious Hummer chicks an easy meal for predators such as Blue Jays, snakes, squirrels, praying mantis, and cats, to name a few.
- There are 15 species of Hummingbirds that migrate from South and Central America through the US and into Canada.
Disclaimer: The Broad-billed hummer is difficult to discern from the Rivoli hummer. We have diligently checked and double-checked John’s photos, hoping we got it right!
We are so blessed to have this time in our lives to meander, to sit quietly as we watch nature’s gems and marvels. May you know the same connection to Mother Nature as we do … xo
