Hummingbird Migration....
on the Backs of Geese?

Hummingbird Migration......
Hummingbirds do not fly very high during migration.

So there flies the myth that these tiny birds hitchhike south on the backs of Canadian Geese.

Hummingbirds need to be able to see food sources along the land route stopping along the way for a good meal at our feeders and flowers.

Usually, they do not fly higher than many rooftops.

Over water, these iridescent creatures fly extremely low, often flying just above the waves.

Besides all of this, hummingbirds migrate alone not in flocks.

Perhaps some tender-hearted hummingbird lover had wished for a soft cushion ride for these wonders of nature.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird flies from as far north as Southern Canada all the way to southern Mexico and Central America, including the remarkable
300 mile non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.

The Rufus hummingbird has an even longer migration. Some fly 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in Alaska to Mexico, it’s winter home.

Maybe, these incredible journeys seemed to difficult for this delicate bird and so this story of migration on the backs of geese was invented to create an explanation.

As it turns out, migration is just one more reason for us all to wonder at theastonishing capabilities of the beloved hummingbird.

Please fill out the form below to share your "first sightings of 2010".
We, who are anxiously awaiting the Spring arrivals, will be able to track the migration through your posts.

For me, it's a glorious day and Spring starts when the Hummers arrive!