By Joel Thurtell
I thought I’d seen my last ruby-throat mid-afternoon Monday, September 24.
The hummers — it may have been only one — were perching on my feeder and taking long drafts of nectar.
Usually, I see that kind of activity just before dusk and in the morning.
But this was more. This was business. The birds — or one bird — were at the feeder almost continuously.
Then they stopped coming.
I figured that was it — the hummers are on their way to Mexico for the winter.
I left my three feeders out, in case a latecomer flies over and needs nourishment.
I debated taking them down.
I tossed my nectar.
Then it happened. 6:27 p.m. tonight, Sunday, September 30.
A hummer flew up to the feeder outside my office window, perched and took a long, long drink. This lasted more than a minute. Then the bird was gone. But a half minute later, the bird — or another hummer — was back for another long session.
I’m glad I left the feeders out.
Guess I’ll have to cook some more nectar*.
In case more late-migrating hummers show up.
A few years ago, the hummers hung out longer.
I last saw one that year on October 7.
* A quarter cup of sugar for each cup of water, heated till the sugar dissolves.
