There's no doubt that fall migration of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds has begun. For about a week, their numbers have gradually increased in our area, the southern part of Mississippi. Normally, many migrants hang around through the end of October, while a few stragglers remain until about the first week of November. However, it's been predicted that we may experience an early fall this year, so if the outdoor temperatures become chilly and stay that way a few days, our little migrants may took off sooner than anticipated.
In any case, I'll be moving on before they do. My hubby and I have purchased a few acres of land just outside our home town- we made it official yesterday. While the little hummingbirds are super busy filling their tummies and adding extra weight for migration across the waters of the gulf coast in a few weeks, we'll be busy packing tons of boxes for our move, about 40 miles from here.
Part of me feels sad because I've come to love all the beautiful birds that visit daily. I've even named a few of them. It took a little while for my feathered friends to feel comfortable in my presence. Often they're just a few feet away from me while I sit on our front porch.
Another part of me feels happy because my hubby and I have searched a couple of years for a few acres in the country, not far from our home town, and we finally found what we were looking for. We have plans to improve the property and make it our retirement home. I'm looking forward to this new endeavor...it will definitely be an adventure within itself.
The past few days there have been so many hummingbirds at our feeders that it's been nearly impossible to take a head count. I know there are at least a couple dozen, no doubt. I don't want to take away part of their energy source (the sugar water) all at once, so I'll have to gradually decrease it in the weeks to come. Our plans are to be completely moved by the first Monday of October. That means I'll be super busy during the next few weeks (actually the next few months), but I'm going to savor the moments here- on my front porch, observing the splendid variety of beautiful birds around me.
Thank you for visiting...
Wishing everyone a Happy Saturday!!!
congratulations to you! i hope your transition will go smoothly! love your hummers, too. ours have increased their consumption in the past 2 weeks, too.
ReplyDeleteEnchanting images Susan. They really are so graceful, I love all your captures but the third one down is so very lovely. I wish you every happiness in your new home.
ReplyDeleteThose last shots are great. It is so fun to catch them still.
ReplyDeleteYour new home will be great and inviting to the birds next year...they will find you...:)JP
ReplyDeleteHmmm...now that you mention it, I haven't seen our hummingbirds around today.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and good luck with the move. It would be hard for anyone to leave this wonderful birding spot, perhaps they will follow you to your new place!!
ReplyDeleteYour images are spectacular!!
Great pictures - I'd have a difficult job getting to work if I had birds like this in my garden!
ReplyDeleteWonderful little birds.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Fantastic humming bird photos, Susan! I know how you feel about leaving them behind, but perhaps a neighbor could pick up some of the slack. The next few weeks are going to be a LOT of work, and I don't envy you that! But I look forward to seeing the new place, and all the wonderful photos you will get there, out in the country! All my best!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your new venture Susan. I am sure the hummingbirds will find you next year.
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