BATON ROUGE — Hummingbirds are returning to the Capital Region, with sightings increasing across Baton Rouge as spring migration ramps up. Some hummingbirds started to migrate back to the United States early, and there were some sightings as early as February. But now, migration is in full swing and it’s time to get ready and help them on their journey north.
“Hummingbird migration in the Gulf Coastal states typically begins as early as late February and peaks in April, with movement continuing through the end of May,” said Gulf Coast Avian Ecologist Sarah Belles, with the American Bird Conservancy.
Hummingbird Central has several new sightings within the last week across the Baton Rouge area.
All of the sightings are ruby-throated hummingbirds, but you might be able to see a different species.
“A large majority of hummingbirds coming through Louisiana this time of year will be Ruby-throated hummingbirds, but you may spot an occasional Black-chinned or Rufous Hummingbird, which are more likely to be seen in fall and winter,” Belles said.
Migrating north
Hummingbirds are heading back north after spending the winter in Mexico and Central America, and it is a long journey for them to get here. “Hummingbirds have to fly between 500 to 600 miles in one go,” Belles said. “Once they reach land, the length of each hummer’s journey varies from day to day depending on resources available along the way.”
The birds can also face a number of challenges as they journey north. “They can include natural threats like exhaustion, severe weather, and predators, and also human related threats like collisions with glass windows, predation by outdoor cats, and loss of habitat,” Belles explained.
Weather can also play a big factor in the birds’ timing and survival. “Severe temperatures, wind speed and direction, and storm systems can push the overall timing of migration weeks earlier or later than usual,” she continued. “Those same patterns can also affect how much energy birds are expending on their journey, which can lead to exhaustion and even starvation in some cases.”
Filling feeders
Belles said hummingbird feeders can be extremely important to birds as they head north. “As hummingbirds make their long journey north, the Gulf Coastal states are often the first place they can land to rest and refuel after crossing the Gulf,” she said. “Feeders can be a huge help to migrating hummingbirds as they stop to refuel on their journeys.
“Keep in mind that keeping hummingbird feeders clean and filled on a regular basis is extremely important,” Belles said. “Moldy feeders can cause serious sickness to hummingbirds, turning your well-intended good deed into a hazard. Fill your feeders with a mixture of four parts water to one part granulated white sugar, dissolved, and skip the red dye!”
Experts say red dyes may contain artificial chemicals that could pose health risks to hummingbirds. A good rule of thumb: if it’s safe and clean enough for your kids and pets, it’s a good standard for wild birds too.
“The best thing we can do for hummingbirds is to be conscious and responsible when providing resources for them on their journey,” Belles said. “Clean your feeders on a regular basis and only use the recommended sugar water mixture with no dyes or additions. Keep feeders in a safe location, preferably out of direct sunlight and away from unmarked glass windows.”
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