TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HUMMINGBIRD BEHAVIOR

May31

      In Middle Georgia, during the months of May and June we see very few hummingbirds feeding at our feeders.  We feel fortunate to see one or two at a time visiting our feeders at this time of the year.  Those that see three or four feel extremely fortunate.

       In 1997, a number of individuals reported seeing significantly more hummers in late May through early June.  Theas quickly as the birds appeared they vanished long before backyard hummingbird populations explode after July 4.  This phenomenon has continued to some extent each year since.  However, nothing compared to what has happened in our backyard this year.

       Up until May 22 from one two three ruby-throated hummingbirds were using a feeder we hung beside our deck. Then on May 22, we spotted eight birds.  A few days later, we were seeing 16 or birds at one time.  To meet the demand for nectar we added another feeder. We are now feeding the hungry birds eight or more cups of nectar per day.

       I have a theory as to why large numbers of the birds have been showing up at Monroe County feeders for at least 25 years.  However, before I can flesh this theory out, I need your help to determine whether this is a local event or something that occurs across the entire state.

       With that in mind, I would greatly appreciate it if you would let me know whether you have witnessed such an event in your neck of the wood too.  If you do take the time respond to my request, please let me know your county of residence.

       Hopefully, your information will help hummingbird watchers across the state better understand the behavior of this special bird.

12 thoughts on “TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HUMMINGBIRD BEHAVIOR”

  1. We have a friend who lives off Rumble Road near I-75. I remember being there earlier in spring one year. She had so, so many hummers.

    Reply

  2. Here in South Atlanta, DeKalb Co. we’ve had only a couple of regular hummers visit until yesterday when I saw two sparing over the feeder. Maybe things are picking up. I feel like we had more hummers a couple of years ago at this time. I’ve been a little concerned. Unfortunately, I don’t keep records.

    Reply

  3. Here, in Ben Hill County at our feeders we are not seeing anywhere near the numbers that you mentioned in your article. We have many types of blooming flowers most of the spring and summer which may contribute to the lack of activity at our feeders. I will look forward to your theory in your increase of birds.

    Reply

  4. Last year the hummingbird “hoards” arrived the end of May and departed in the fall. We were using 8 cups of sugar water a day. This year they came the middle of May. We are supplying about 4 cups/day now, but that is quickly increasing. We live in Oconee County. In the winter of 2021/2022, we had a hummingbird spend the winter with us.

    Reply

    • Robert & Joan,

      Thanks for the detailed report. This is the 1st report on hummer activity that I have ever received from Oconee County. Congratulations on you winter hummer.

      Terry

      Reply

  6. I live at Lake Oconee in Putnam County, Georgia. Around May 22 one hummer arrived and has stayed. About one week later a second arrived. I keep 2 feeders both in the backyard. I have had no additional hummingbirds that I have seen.

    Reply

    • Sherry,
      Thanks for sharing hummingbird information from Putnam County. It is amazing how numbers differ so widely from county to county.

      Terry

      Reply

  7. Troy,

    Thank you very much for information regarding hummingbird activity in Newton County.

    Terry

    Reply

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