Vermont hummingbirds do migrate! One of the most common species of hummingbird in Vermont is the ruby-throated hummingbird. These tiny birds, weighing only about as much as a penny, undertake an incredible journey each year.
In the fall, when the days start to get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, the ruby-throated hummingbirds prepare for their long migration south. They need to travel over 2,000 miles to reach their wintering grounds in Central America. It’s truly amazing to think about such a small creature flying such a great distance.
I have had the pleasure of observing hummingbirds in my own backyard in Vermont, and it is always a joy to see them flitting around, sipping nectar from flowers and feeders. But as summer comes to an end, their behavior starts to change. They become more restless and active, fueling up for their upcoming journey.
One sign that the hummingbirds are getting ready to migrate is an increase in feeding activity. They will visit feeders more frequently, trying to pack on as much energy as possible. It’s important for us to keep our feeders filled during this time, as the hummingbirds rely on this extra source of food to sustain them during their long flight.
Another indication that the hummingbirds are preparing to migrate is the decrease in their numbers. As the days go by, we start to see fewer and fewer hummingbirds visiting our feeders and flowers. This is because they are beginning to depart on their journey south. It’s a bittersweet sight, knowing that they will be gone for several months but also exciting to think about the incredible journey they are about to undertake.
Once the ruby-throated hummingbirds leave Vermont, they will fly over vast distances, crossing open water and traversing different habitats. They will face numerous challenges along the way, including finding food sources and avoiding predators. It’s a true testament to their resilience and adaptability.
During their time in Central America, the hummingbirds will find suitable habitat with plenty of nectar-rich flowers and insects to feed on. They will spend the winter months in these warmer climates, conserving energy and waiting for the right time to make the journey back north.
Then, in the spring, as the days start to lengthen and the temperatures begin to rise, the ruby-throated hummingbirds will once again undertake their incredible migration. They will make their way back to Vermont, returning to the same backyards where they were once observed. It’s an amazing feat of navigation, as they are able to find their way back to the exact locations they left months before.
Vermont hummingbirds, including the ruby-throated hummingbird, do migrate. They travel over 2,000 miles to winter in Central America, returning to our backyards in Vermont each summer. It’s a fascinating journey that showcases the remarkable abilities of these tiny birds.