Among all the wonderful hubbub over bird migration comes word that our smallest breeding bird and arguably most amazing summer resident has returned from wintering grounds as far away as South America.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are back, visiting specially designed feeders all over the area. Keep those feeders fresh, clean, and full of properly mixed sugar water – no red dye please – and they’ll be with you all summer.
For obvious reasons, they’re nicknamed Mother Nature’s flying jewels, but don’t be fooled into thinking they’re gentle little creatures. Their demeanor is more barroom brawler than elegant and refined, especially if they’re defending a feeder they’ve staked out as their own.
Though they readily come to feeders, they’re perfectly capable of fending for themselves, nectaring on their preferred tubed flowers and feeding on insects they catch themselves or steal from spider webs.
They’re truly fascinating birds. It’s well worth taking a few minutes to learn more about them. Viewing them is a sure thing at the various Windows on Wildlife in your Metroparks. Look for them in Wildwood Preserve, Pearson, Swan Creek Preserve, Side Cut, Secor, and Oak Openings Preserve.
