I live in Beaumont, Texas which is located in southeast Texas, about 90 to 100 miles east of Houston. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is probably the most common species of hummingbird in this area of the country. In recent years, there have been many hummingbirds in the area, but this has not been the case this year. I do not know the reason for this.
While I recently visited my dad’s house, I saw absolutely no hummingbirds while there, but that was easily explained because he had not put out any feeders in order to attract the birds this year. That used to be something my mom would do each year. Since she has passed way maybe that was something my dad just did not want to do any longer. Only my dad knows the reason for that.
At the apartment complex where I live, there are numerous hummingbird feeders around on the property. They have been here as long as I have lived here, four years, and they are well maintained and have plenty of nectar in them, so I have no idea why the birds are not coming around.
I wish I had the answers and could solve this dilemma. My friends and I miss seeing these tiny amazing creatures. Spring just is not the same without them around. If I had the opportunity, I would tell these birds to please come back because you are very missed around this area by so many people.
Lastly, I would like to share with you some interesting facts about the Ruby-throated hummingbird. I hope you will enjoy this information while also discovering some information that you did not already know.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are found throughout the eastern part of Texas and the U.S. and southern Canada. They migrate to Mexico south through Costa Rica for the winter. The Ruby-throated hummingbird must gain critical bodyweight before attempting to cross the Gulf of Mexico. The hummingbirds will nearly double their weight (from about 3.25 grams to 6 grams) before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. A single migration can become a nonstop flight of up to 500 miles over a period of 18 to 22 hours.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a total estimated population of over 7 million individuals. This species of hummingbird was hunted during the nineteenth century for its beautiful plumage, but the Ruby-throated Hummingbird now enjoys protection from harvest through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act declares unlawful the taking, killing, or possessing of migratory birds. It is also listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna of 1975.
5 replies on “Where, Oh Where, Have the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Gone?”
Your comment about the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds was interesting (as are all the other posts I’ve viewed the past couple of weeks) My comment is about the Rubies. I noticed early in the season exactly ONE Ruby at my feeders, which have been up since March. He lingered about one week, then was gone. This is unusual as I often have a handful each year. While I still have a few hummers around, none of the rubies have reappeared and the population of the others is much smaller. My regulars are two females and one very aggressive, possessive male and the occasional visitor – at 4 well maintained feeders throughout the yard. Thanks for your comments on the TPWD website about tracking hummers – I had completely forgotten about it and I’m even a volunteer instructor for TPWD!
I too have no hummers. There has been one female and that is it. Normally by this time of the year I have at least 6 to 7 that visit through the day. Does anyone know what is up??
Did your hummingbirds come around this summer? We had less in the start of the season than usual, and we were concerned. But the population gradually increased and I had to make 8 cups of food each day to keep our five feeders filled! Now, however, the MALE ruby throated hummingbirds are gone. Only the females are here! They are still plentiful, but the food is not going down as quickly. I have never in the past noticed the males departing before the females, although I do know that in the spring the males are the first to arrive. We are having a drought here in eastern Tennessee, so perhaps that is the reason. But then, why aren’t the females gone also? Usually they both are around here until late September. This is a puzzle to me.
Why have there been so few ruby throats in N.N. this year
It is difficult to offer you a specific reason for this. Keep in mind that each season is different from those in the past.