Here at my Middle Georgia home, during the past few days the number of hummingbirds visiting our four feeders has dramatically decreased. As late as last week, my wife was making 20 cups of nectar a day in an effort to meet the birds’ demand for food. Today for the first time in weeks, only two feeders needed to be refilled. I suspect that the rubythroats are rapidly disappearing in your backyards too.
With that in mind, I would like to know when you first noticed a noticeable drop in the hummers visiting your feeders. In addition, it would be great if you report the date, the last hummer is seen in your yard. I have been studying hummingbirds for more than 30 years and still have much to learn about these fascinating birds. Your information would be helpful in delineating the fall migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird in Georgia.
Monday morning there were fewer hummies. I have had 5
6 feeders going but down to 4 now. Still have this year’s babies. They are so tame they come to the feeder when I am holding it. I am going to miss them. Toccoa, Georgia
Susan,
Thanks for your report. My last bird left (in Monroe County) on October 10. I share your sentiments; I took miss them when they are gone.
In Forsyth County we have most of our Ruby throats as of September 7.gone.
Minot,
Thanks for your information. The last hummer left my home Oct 10. I live in Monroe County just north of Macon.
We’ve noticed that the males have left. Now, we only see females “guarding” the feeder. Our location is northeast Georgia in Towns County.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. The adult males always seem to be the first to leave. The last hummer we had at our house in Forsyth (just north of Macon) was Oct. 10.
Most of ours, in Walton County, left on the 12-13th September. The last one left two days ago.
Interestingly, our House Finches left at about the same time. This happened last year too. The Purple Finches replaced them in Fall-Winter. The House Finches returned again in June.
Joan,
Thank you for your hummingbird departure date. It appears that my wife and I saw our last bird October 10. We still have our fingers crossed we will see it again.
I live in Lilburn, near Stone Mountain Park. I had been seeing multiple hummers daily until a couple of days ago, September 28. Since then they’ve completely disappeared. I haven’t seen one at any of our feeders for the last 2 days. This is earlier than usual. I keep a Google calendar of various wildlife sightings. For the last 3 years my last hummer sightings were October 9, 17, and 18, respectively. While I may still see one as they migrate through, the “regulars” are all gone as of 9/28.
Thank you so much for sharing your sightings. My wife saw our last hummer three days ago (October 10). We are surprised we hosted a bird as long as we did.