The Swamp Stomp

Volume 16, Issue 11

As an avid birder this time of year is always exciting.  Each week we start to get a new wave of migrants up from the south.  But this time of year is critical for one of the most amazing birds, the ruby throated humming bird.

In late February these little birds make the 1300 mile flight from Central America to North America.  Many make the 500 mile non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.  Hovering at only 6 feet above the waves these birds lose half their body weight by the time they arrive in the US.

Once in North America they travel about 20 miles per day.  They stop frequently to feed and regain their normal weight of about 3.25 grams.  They are tired and hungry when they get here and many perish along the way.

Here is where you can help.  Hummingbirds are a bug eating machine.  However they need sugar to fuel the machine.   You can plant a wide variety of nectar producing plants but for a quick meal a hummingbird feeder is a great way to attract and help out these little guys.

There are many feeder designs to choose from.  Wildlife photographers prefer the perch-less feeders so that they can capture the birds in flight.  While this is cool to see, it is a bit mean.  How would you like to have to eat your lunch while standing and flapping your arms?  A nice easy to clean feeder like the Wild Birds Unlimited High Perch™ Hummingbird Feeder features a high perch that allows hummingbirds to comfortably rest, providing you with better, longer views of the birds.  This helps the birds save a lot of energy by resting and feeding at the same time.  Think of it as a hummingbird sofa.

Do not use a commercial feed mix.  Most of these contain red dye that is not necessary and there are reports that red dye causes tumors in the hummingbirds.  The best recipe is a simple syrup of 4 parts water to 1 part cane sugar.  You do not need to boil the water to reduce the microorganisms that cause fermentation.  They are transported to the feeder on hummingbird bills so boiling will not help.  However, hot water will help dissolve the sugar.  However, don’t use hot water from the tap.  There are many undesirable minerals and other salts that come out of a water heater.  Just warm some water on the stove, mix in the sugar and allow to cool before adding it to the feeder.  You can store the leftover syrup for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or add some mint leaves and rum and you have a Mojito!

If you want to keep track of the hummingbirds’ progress check out this map provided by Hummingbirds.net.  They have an online form that you can use to submit any observations.