So, When Do These Tiny Helicopters Ditch the Windy City?
Let's talk about those itty-bitty avian acrobats – hummingbirds. You know, those tiny, buzzing bundles of energy that seem to defy gravity with every flap of their wings? Yeah, those guys. Specifically, let's discuss their Chicago getaway plans.
The Great Chicago Hummingbird Exodus
Now, you might be thinking, "Why would a bird named 'hummingbird' want to leave a city called 'Chicago'? It's got wind, right?" Well, dear reader, you're not wrong. But even the most wind-resistant hummingbird has its limits. It turns out these little daredevils aren't as fond of winter as we are of complaining about it.
So, when exactly do they pack their tiny bags and head south?
Typically, hummingbirds start to thin out around the second week of October. By then, they've probably had enough of our pumpkin spice obsession and are ready for some serious R&R in warmer climates. But don't be too hasty to put away your hummingbird feeders! Some stragglers might stick around until late October, just to make sure you're not trying to pull a fast one on them.
A Few Hummingbird Migration Fun Facts
- They’re tiny marathoners: These birds can fly up to 500 miles without stopping! Imagine running that distance in tiny little bird legs. We're exhausted just thinking about it.
- Their metabolism is off the charts: Hummingbirds need to eat almost constantly to keep their engines running. It's like they're living on Red Bull and sugar.
- They're colorblind: So, all that effort you put into choosing the perfect shade of red for your hummingbird feeder? Yeah, it's probably a waste. They're more interested in the sweet nectar inside.
How to... Hummingbird Edition
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard: Plant flowers that produce nectar, like trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia. Also, put up a hummingbird feeder filled with a sugar-water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water).
How to make hummingbird food: Mix one part white granulated sugar with four parts water. Boil the mixture for two minutes to dissolve the sugar, then let it cool completely before filling your feeder.
How to clean a hummingbird feeder: Wash your feeder with hot, soapy water every few days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
How to deter squirrels from hummingbird feeders: There are special squirrel-proof feeders available, or you can try hanging your feeder in a location that's difficult for squirrels to reach.
How to tell if a hummingbird is male or female: Male hummingbirds typically have brighter plumage and often have iridescent throat feathers called a gorget. Females tend to be duller in color and lack the gorget.