Helping Hummingbirds Head South

 

 

As summer fades and the air begins to cool, East Texas becomes a bustling corridor for one of nature’s most astonishing travelers: the hummingbird. These tiny dynamos embark on a southward migration that spans hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. For residents of East Texas, this seasonal spectacle offers a unique opportunity to support these feathered voyagers during a critical leg of their journey.
 

 

Why Migration Is So Demanding

Hummingbirds migrate primarily due to:

• Food scarcity: Nectar and insects dwindle as temperatures drop.

• Cold weather: Freezing nights can be fatal for these tropical-adapted birds.

• Loss of habitat: Many plants die back in winter, removing shelter and nesting sites
 

To survive, hummingbirds must consume up to twice their body weight in nectar daily. Before crossing the Gulf of Mexico—a nonstop flight of over 500 miles—they enter a “feeding frenzy,” storing fat to fuel their journey.
 

How You Can Help

Here’s how to turn your backyard into a hummingbird haven:
 

1. Hang Multiple Feeders

• Use feeders with red accents to attract hummingbirds.

• Fill with a simple nectar solution: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water (no dyes or honey).

• Clean feeders every 2–3 days to prevent mold and fermentation.
 

2. Plant Flowers with nectar-rich blooms in your yard.

• Salvia Greggii (Hot Lips, Lipstick, Red)

• Zinnias

• Butterfly Bush

• Mexican Firebush

• Goldflame Honeysuckle
 

3. Keep Feeders Up Longer

• Don’t take feeders down too early! Migrants may still be passing through into late October.

• Leaving feeders up won’t prevent migration—it simply helps late travelers refuel.
 

East Texas: A Migration Hotspot

East Texas is a vital stopover for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the most common species in the region. Sightings often peak in September, with some areas hosting dozens of birds at once.
 

Supporting hummingbirds during their migration isn’t just good for the birds—it’s a chance to witness a marvel of endurance and instinct. So grab a feeder, plant some blooms, and enjoy helping them on their journey this fall.