Now that we know the ruby-throated hummingbirds are winging their way back to Georgia, it is hard not to ponder how these amazing little birds are capable of making this arduous journey from its wintering grounds that extend from southern Mexico southward to Panama.

       We do, however, know ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate during the light of day.  The only hummers that fly at night are those that fly across the Gulf of Mexico to reach their winter home.  It is impossible them to make such a flight without flying during the night.

       However, some ruby-throated hummingbirds do not cross the gulf to and from their summer home. Instead, they follow the coastline extending from Florida, to Texas to Mexico.  This eliminates the need to traverse vast stretches of the Gulf of Mexico.