We’ve often wondered if the hummingbirds at our feeder are the same year round. It lead me to do a bit of research on the migratory habits of the hummers native to our area. Last week I saw this charmer at our feeder, unruffled by the cooler temps and the rain. Was this one passing through, staying for the winter or about to leave town?
Hummingbird October 22nd
According to World of Hummingbirds, Allen Hummingbirds like to winter in Northern California but spend the summer in Mexico. So who’s been visiting in the summer? I used to think we had Ruby-Throated Hummers at the feeders, with the flashy iridescent red chest, but I’ve since learned they migrate on the east coast of North America and Canada. Then there are Anna Hummingbirds. Anna’s are one of the few year-round residents of California. They can handle temperature extremes, so no need to winter in Mexico.
Following are the hummers we’ve seen in our garden this year. Descriptions from World of Hummingbirds are at the end. Who do you think we have visiting our feeders?
Hummingbird February 25th
Hummingbird August 4th
Hummingbird August 24th
Hummingbird October 22nd
North American Hummingbirds
Halloween Countdown
Lying pumpkin
Gardening Nirvana 
What a great way to start a morning. I saw your pumpkin and broke out laughing. 🙂 Love your sense of humor. I’m delighted to see you make your own humming bird food. They say the red stuff from the store is hard on their kidneys or something like that. I always made my own too. We were told to stop feeding by the end of September to make sure none lagged behind for the winter migration. We were living at 7200 ft and it’s already below freezing at night. Love watching those little tuff guys.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you laughed! That is awesome.
Yes, the red stuff is harmful and unnecessary. It’s hard to imagine that these little birds can survive on sugar water, but they do. It’s so quick and easy to make your own, it’s a wonder anyone buys it.
Oh it is cold were you are. Interesting tip about stopping the feeders buy September. That makes sense.
LikeLike
Lucky you, Hummers to greet you at this time of year. Your photo’s are amazing, especially the one just flying in to your feeder. I actually use to see them bee-bopping around the garden to. They really fancied the Delphiniums. I can’t wait to have another feeder. Thanks for the link, really interesting, I had no idea there were so many different hummers in Alberta. I think we usually saw the Rufus or Anna but I’m not sure. I always made my own food as well. Your pumpkin message is a gas. Again, lucky you! 😉
LikeLike
I feel very lucky when they flit around the garden. Mike lovingly takes care of their care and feeding. If we’re out in the garden and one of the feeders is empty, he stops what he’s doing to refill. We now have three feeders. They also love the Mexican Sage and the flowering Hibiscus.
I took the pumpkin to a special Halloween workout. We actually used them the entire class. I am so sore! Who knew lifting a 12 pound pumpkin for an hour could be such hard work.
LikeLike
Your Mike sounds the a sweetheart of a guy. I Googled your sage, gorgeous. I had a sage in the garden, Russian I think but it wasn’t anywhere’s that size. Your yard is so alive with nature, quite the oasis.
Good for you and your workouts. I ate a giant meal at the Halloween party…oh man, I’m having a bit of a time with it. Pretty creative class, bravo to the leader.
LikeLike