Hummers

By Joel Thurtell

I thought I’d seen my last ruby-throat mid-afternoon Monday, September 24.

The hummers — it may have been only one — were perching on my feeder and taking long drafts of nectar.

Usually, I see that kind of activity just before dusk and in the morning.

But this was more. This was business. The birds — or one bird — were at the feeder almost continuously.

Then they stopped coming.

I figured that was it — the hummers are on their way to Mexico for the winter.

I left my three feeders out, in case a latecomer flies over and needs nourishment.

I debated taking them down.

I tossed my nectar.

Then it happened. 6:27 p.m. tonight, Sunday, September 30.

A hummer flew up to the feeder outside my office window, perched and took a long, long drink. This lasted more than a minute. Then the bird was gone. But a half minute later, the bird — or another hummer — was back for another long session.

I’m glad I left the feeders out.

Guess I’ll have to cook some more nectar*.

In case more late-migrating hummers show up.

A few years ago, the hummers hung out longer.

I last saw one that year on October 7.

* A quarter cup of sugar for each cup of water, heated till the sugar dissolves.

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