What time of year is it? Ruby-throated Hummingbirds occur in the state from about the second week of March through the second week of November. During spring migration, especially April and May, you can expect dozens of individuals at your feeder as they move north across the state. After spring migration, a smaller number remain to breed. When females begin breeding they turn to insects and spiders, not nectar, to provide the protein they need to produce and raise young. They also turn to their preferred natural nectar sources in the form of abundant wildflowers available in the summer. In July, they finish nesting and once again begin regularly visiting feeders. In August and September, fall migration brings an influx of birds from the north. The stream eventually thins out and ends by November.
I still have some but the activity has decreased. I've had this happen every year and I also assumed that they were on nests and therefore not as active. Not sure if my theory is correct.
Sent from my iPad**************************************************************** To post messages, send e-mail to: [log in to unmask] Set your e-mail application to PLAIN TEXT ONLY to post messages. To contact the list owner: [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Web based archives and subscription management are available at: http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html ****************************************************************Thanks to everyone who has offered theories to my query regarding disappeared hummingbirds. This list is so helpful and heart-warming for amateurs like me.
However, today, while visiting a farm on Tucker Hill Road in Thetford, I learned that they had half-a-dozen hummers zooming around their feeder until about a week ago. Now, there are none there either.
I have never had this happen before, nor had she. Troubling...
Hope there is not a disease going around.
Connie Snyder
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