Hummingbirds don’t get summer vacations

Summer is no time for relaxing for ruby-throated hummingbirds!
While we lounge by the pool (or more likely sit in our backyard kiddie pool), hummingbirds, also called hummers, are already busy preparing for fall. Little ones born last month have grown to full size by now. Look closely and you may see young and parents foraging together as they all fuel up to put on fat for their long journey south starting in mid-August.
Hummers migrate as close as southern Florida and as far away as South America for the winter, so they need a lot of fuel for their trip! For folks wanting to help the hummers prepare for their journey, planting native plants is the best thing to do. They supply nectar and attract insects for the birds to eat but adding a nectar feeder is a great option as well. Find a full list of ways to attract hummingbirds at https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/bird-feeding/attracting-hummingbirds.

This is the time when ruby throated hummingbirds are fueling up at flowers and feeders preparing for their long journey south.
Hummingbirds continue to migrate through Missouri through mid-October so there is still plenty of time to help them on their journey this year. Join us Saturday for Hummingbirds 101! and discover the native plants, sweet nectar and insects loved by this tiny creature, also known as nature’s helicopter! This free walk-in program runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is for all ages.