re: Hummingbirds have returned to fatten up before migration

Posted by Bard

Definitely NOT an admin

Member since Oct 2008

57717 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:21 pm to pussywillows

We usually get 5 or 6 on the three feeders at our place in TN, right now there are about 2 dozen. We rarely get any here in BR, right now we have about 6 or 7 fighting over two feeders.

It's like watching small jets chasing one another.

Posted by 6R12

Louisiana

Member since Feb 2005

11443 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:27 pm to pussywillows

Beautiful pics. We saw several return after the storm blew down our feeder. They were hungry.

Posted by pussywillows

Member since Dec 2009

6425 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:32 pm to Bard

quote:
It's like watching small jets chasing one another.

It really is!

Posted by pussywillows

Member since Dec 2009

6425 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:33 pm to DMAN1968

It really is hard to keep count...I really like your picture

Posted by Bow dude72

Member since Mar 2017

2703 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:33 pm to pussywillows

I’ve been feeding them since the beginning of August. I made two feeders out of makers mark whiskey bottles. They are taking 1 1/2 fifths a day. Sometimes 10 on each feeder.

This post was edited on 9/17/24 at 3:24 pm

Posted by pussywillows

Member since Dec 2009

6425 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:34 pm to Bow dude72

Wow! You must a ton of them...

Posted by Bow dude72

Member since Mar 2017

2703 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:38 pm to pussywillows

I can’t even count how many fly around the feeders..
I have 8 ports on each feeder. At times I see 2 of them using the same port.

This post was edited on 9/17/24 at 2:40 pm

Posted by Meauxjeaux

102836 posts including my alters

Member since Jun 2005

45635 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:39 pm to pussywillows

How long do they stay around - northshore area.

Got about 8-10 running around a couple feeders. Love em!

Posted by LSUJML

Central

Member since May 2008

51882 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:52 pm to pussywillows

I currently have 10-15 swapping between 6 feeders
I need a good camera, my phone doesn’t get good pics of them

This post was edited on 9/17/24 at 2:56 pm

Posted by deaconjones35

Thibodaux

Member since Sep 2009

9873 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:55 pm to pussywillows

We had them hitting our feeders right before the hurricane hit. I'd say they struck around until winds consistently got around 30-40 sustained. They didn't care!

Posted by pussywillows

Member since Dec 2009

6425 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:56 pm to Meauxjeaux

I'm northwest of you, and I've had at least a few hanging around well into October in previous years...I don't know how they decide when it's time to leave...

Posted by LegendInMyMind

Member since Apr 2019

71165 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:58 pm to Meauxjeaux

quote:
How long do they stay around - northshore area.

Here's a good resource about the Ruby Throat Fall migration:
Hummingbird Central

Posted by LegendInMyMind

Member since Apr 2019

71165 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:59 pm to pussywillows

quote:
I'm northwest of you, and I've had at least a few hanging around well into October in previous years...I don't know how they decide when it's time to leave...

From that link I just posted I read this interesting bit of info:

quote:
For example, in South Louisiana, several species are often spotted during the winter months, including the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Black-chinned, and Buff-bellied.

I don't recall having seen any mentions or other species in southern LA, but I don't follow it really. It would be a great catch to see a one of the others.

Posted by pussywillows

Member since Dec 2009

6425 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 3:19 pm to LegendInMyMind

thanks for that! i had no idea that many species were around...i think i've only ever seen the ruby throated...

Posted by Bow dude72

Member since Mar 2017

2703 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 3:26 pm to LSUJML

That’s what it looks like at my two feeders.

Posted by Carolhdg

St George, LA

Member since Nov 2022

292 posts

Posted on 9/17/24 at 3:32 pm to pussywillows

I've been putting out feeders since we moved to this house, so about 8 years. The majority of our hummingbirds show up in early July and leave the first week of October.