Our Ruby-throated hummingbirds are departing, leaving our area to winter in the warmer climate of Central America.  Before they depart, they spend the better part of their days fattening up on insects and preening their feathers into prime condition for their long journey.  As if in pensive contemplation, as fall progresses, they can be found perched near feeders, their feathers fluffed in the wind, a far-away look in their eyes.  (Maybe that's my mood--I miss them already!) 

By mid-September, most of our males are on their way and by mid-October most females and juveniles are gone.  (I saw the last hummer at my feeder on the 11^th of October this season).  For me the area just outside my door, where the nectar feeders hang, feels very quiet and empty despite other birds that frequent nearby trees.

My welcome mat remains out, however.  Two feeders are filled with fresh nectar for late travelers.  Even into the winter, they will be kept thawed and replenished.  Here's the reason why.  Hummingbird banding has given the world new insights into the migration patterns of hummingbirds, both Ruby-throats that breed here in the east, and western breeding hummingbirds.

In a recent bird-banding demonstration held at Ijams Nature Center, in Knoxville, Robert Sargent, author of Wild Birds Guides:  Ruby-throated Hummingbird, explained that after November 15th, banding data has shown that other species of hummingbirds sometimes take an easterly migration route.

If you see a hummer at your feeder after November 15th, it will likely be one of these unexpected species.  In the Knoxville area you may contact, Mark Armstrong, Master Bander, 865-577-5398 or email:  woodthrush(at)bellsouth(dot)net.  In all states, you may call or email Bob and Martha Sargent:  Rubythroat(at)aol(dot)com or 205-681-2888. They will either come to your location to band and document the bird or send someone from your area.