Hummingbirds follow familiar rhythms, with signs of change

Behavior patterns of hummingbirds remain remarkably consistent from year to year. First comes the scout — a single male ruby-throated hummingbird arriving in early May.

Soon after, the flock follows into Northeast Ohio, traditionally around Mother’s Day. This year, however, the flock arrived a week early. In Columbus, they came two weeks early. Climate change, researchers note, is affecting migration patterns.

Some hummingbirds seek mates in Ohio, while others pause only briefly at feeders and nectar plants before continuing north into Canada. The females who mate here build nests of lichens, plant down and bud scales. Each typically lays two eggs and incubates them for two to four weeks.

Males, meanwhile, fly north to mate again with new females, taking no part in nesting. Some remain behind to defend nectar-rich territories. Summer nectar plants such as columbine, penstemon and scarlet bee balm bloom from June to August, providing fuel.

When the hatchlings emerge, they are hungry. Mothers must feed themselves and two chicks for about two weeks in late spring and early summer. Many people notice fewer hummingbirds at feeders during this time, since mothers are focused on protein sources for their young — insects, spiders and inchworms found in fruit trees, oaks, maples and hackberries. Spiders make up about half the diet of young hummingbirds.

Feeders may seem quiet in June and July, but activity increases again once young birds fledge. Mothers then guide their fledglings to food sources, including backyard feeders and tubular native plants. Young hummingbirds are easy to spot because they lack tail feathers.

By August, males, females and juveniles all gather at feeders. Late August and early September bring the most dramatic show, as hummingbirds feed heavily to build fat reserves for migration. Northeast Ohio birds fly south through Texas, while those from central and western states make a nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.

Those watching in early to mid-September may witness the “blast-off day,” when multiple hummingbirds circle feeders in what looks like a circus before departing. The next day, the feeders may be empty.

In late September, stragglers from Canada may still stop at feeders or feed on fall-blooming natives such as ironweed, turtlehead and cardinal flowers. By then, feeders are mostly quiet except for yellow jackets and downy woodpeckers, signaling that it is time to take them down.

We wish the hummingbirds a safe journey south, with hopes they avoid hurricanes. And so the cycle ends — until spring, when it begins again.

Linda K. Schneider is a conservationist, writer and educator inspiring people to appreciate nature. She lives in Medina County.