Wood Thrush Notes

Hummingbird Activity to Increase Soon

In the next couple of weeks we should all begin to see more hummingbird activity at our feeders.  I’ve seen considerably more just in the past few days.  Hummingbird feeders will be significantly more important to our Ruby-throated hummingbirds in the coming weeks and months as they conclude nesting and begin feeding heavily in preparation for fall migration.  Most of us do not see a lot of hummingbird activity until mid-July as females are fully involved with nesting responsibilities and the males are guarding their territory and food sources.  Hummer feeders are just not that important to them during this time as nectar from flowers and the insects they consume are readily available.  People often mistakenly think hummingbirds NEED our feeders.  They don’t, but will take advantage of them when the time is right and the feeder and nectar are in good condition.  Making sure your feeders are clean and nectar is fresh is always important but especially now when temperatures are high and as birds begin to use them more. 

  Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (RTH), like many migrant birds, go through hyperphagia prior to migration, meaning they eat almost continuously. They ramp up their consumption of nectar from plants and sugar water from feeders while consuming large quantities of tiny insects that are full of fats and proteins. The sugar is used up almost instantly during daily activities but the protein from insects helps strengthen their flight muscles. All the energy-rich yellow fat accumulates in little storage pockets which are visible when the feathers are gently pushed aside, like when a licensed bander has one in hand.

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Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

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Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

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Hummingbird fat pockets

An adult male RTH will weigh approximately 3 grams during summer but put on as much as 2.5 grams of weight by the time it is ready to head south.  They will nearly double their weight during hyperphagia.

So, if you haven’t been paying attention to your feeders because of lack of activity make sure your feeders are clean and you have fresh nectar. August and September are THE busiest hummingbird feeding months here in Middle TN so be prepared. 

The proper nectar formula is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.  Do not use brown, or raw sugar, and never use honey.  Regular white table sugar is best.  If you are making a small amount, like a cup, boiling the water is unnecessary.  Thoroughly stir the sugar until it is completely dissolved and the water is clear.  To make larger quantities it makes sense to heat the water enough to completely dissolve the sugar.

Early Summer Hummingbirds

A day doesn’t go by at The Wood Thrush Shop that we are not asked “what’s wrong with the hummingbirds?” “I don’t see any coming to my feeders.” “Are they here”? 

All of our summer resident Ruby-throated hummingbirds are here and well into their first or even second nesting of the season by now.  Like Bluebirds they all don’t start nesting at the same time.  There could be as much as a month difference in the first nesting phase of the earlier arrivals in March and April and the later arrivals in late April to mid-May.

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The nesting phase is the reason people generally see far less of hummingbirds now as opposed to mid-July through September when they are seen so readily at feeders.  One must remember hummingbirds do not come all the way from Central and South America for sugar water.  It’s of little need to them during the first half of their summer residency. They are very satisfied with nectar from flowering plants, and insects for protein. Hummingbird feeders are not in high demand at this time and will serve only for quick visits and a brief drink.  When nesting is near conclusion in mid to late July and early August that is when hummers begin visiting feeders with frequency and intensity to fatten up in preparation for the long migration back to Central and South America. 

With that in mind keep fresh nectar in the feeder but do not fill to capacity.  Small amounts are recommended now to decrease waste and major cleaning of feeders.   In warmer weather with temperatures near 90, nectar is only good for 2-3 days at a time.  If your feeder is getting full sun you may want to adjust to a shadier situation or be prepared to change the nectar even more frequently.

Remember to only use plain white table sugar to make nectar, no brown or raw natural sugar, no honey, and no color.  A 1 part sugar to 4 parts water ratio is the perfect solution.  Making it sweeter is no more appealing or beneficial to the birds. 

Be patient, hummingbirds will begin visiting feeders when they are ready.  We should see an uptick in activity around mid-July.

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We will be closed Monday, June 19th.

We will see you on June 20th!