The Capital Region is about to be invaded by winged creatures that have no ability to walk or hop yet travel thousands of miles to be here. In 2020 there were close to 2 million reported sightings of these carnivores and if you feed them, they will find you year after year.

I am referring to New York's Ruby-throated Hummingbird and get ready because they are on their way. Typically Hummingbirds make their way to the Capital Region by the first week of May but this year the timing appears to be approaching earlier. Numerous sightings have already been reported in the Hudson Valley.

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Here are some cool facts about these magical birds:

  • They can fly non-stop for more than 1,200 miles
  • Hummingbirds will remember you! They will return to the same feeder each year.
  • These birds only survive less than a day without a combo of nectar and insects
  • Their brain is the size of a pea (proportionately 2tx's bigger than a human brain)
  • Hummingbirds are the weight of less than a nickel
  • They live 3-5 years (One tagged Hummingbird is over 12 years old)
  • Hummingbird tongues take in nectar at the rate of 15 licks per second.
  • They are the only birds that can fly backwards and upside down
  • Hummingbirds travel at an average of 30mph but can dive up to 63mph

No time to waste! Get your feeders ready! According to The Spruce, feeders filled with a classic nectar recipe can help attract more Hummingbirds. A simple sugar water solution is just as attractive to Hummingbirds as natural nectar sources.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

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