The Hummingbird Hilton: How Long Do These Tiny Tenants Stay in Washington?
Ah, the hummingbird. Those dazzling little helicopters of the bird world, flitting from flower to feeder, adding a touch of magic to our backyards. But for those of us in Washington state, a burning question arises: just how long do these feathered jewels grace us with their presence? Buckle up, birding enthusiasts, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of hummingbird residency in the Evergreen State.
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| How Long Do Hummingbirds Stay In Washington State |
The All-Year Anna's: Our Permanent Party Animal
First things first, let's talk about Anna's Hummingbird. These little green and red (well, the males are redheaded) daredevils are the rockstars of the Washington hummingbird scene. Unlike their migratory brethren, Anna's are the ultimate Washingtonians, opting to stay put year-round. Rain or shine, sleet or snow (okay, maybe not that much snow), you might just see an Anna's hummingbird hovering by your feeder, even in the depths of winter. They're basically the cool kids who never left high school... except way more impressive because, you know, hummingbird wings.
The Seasonal Snowbirds: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (ish)
Now, let's chat about the migratory hummingbirds who grace us with their presence during the warmer months. These jet-setters include the Rufous Hummingbird, the Calliope Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. Think of them as the spring break crowd, arriving in April and staying for the party until August or September. They're here to sip nectar, find mates, and raise their young before heading south for the winter. So, if you see a hummingbird hovering by your fuchsia in July, chances are it's one of these temporary tenants.
Here's a handy cheat sheet to remember who's who:
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
- Year-round resident: Anna's Hummingbird (the one with the impressive red head... on the male, that is)
- Spring and summer visitor: Rufous Hummingbird (known for its fiery orange throat), Calliope Hummingbird (the tiniest of the bunch), Black-chinned Hummingbird (look for the black patch under its chin)
Fun Fact: Hummingbird Humility
Speaking of hummingbirds not being afraid of a little cold, some Anna's Hummingbirds have been known to enter a state called torpor during the winter. Think of it as a hummingbird hibernation lite. Their body temperature drops, and their heart rate slows down significantly to conserve energy. Pretty impressive for such a tiny creature, right?
Frequently Asked Hummingbird Hotel Questions:
How to attract hummingbirds to my yard?
Plant plenty of flowers with red, orange, or purple blooms! Hummingbirds love these colors.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How to make hummingbird food?
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Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring it to a simmer. Let it cool completely before filling your feeder.
How to clean a hummingbird feeder?
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
Clean your feeder with hot, soapy water every few days to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
How to keep hummingbirds safe from predators?
Place your feeder in a sheltered area away from windows or birdhouses where cats might lurk.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How to enjoy watching hummingbirds?
Sit back, relax, and be amazed by these incredible little creatures!
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