The hummingbird's return to Central Virginia

The ruby-throated hummingbirds have returned.

I received the first report of birds at the feeder on April 9, but my tardy visitors didn’t put in an appearance here in Evington until April 16. The earliest report for the species in our area is March 27, so we didn’t set any new records this year.

As the azaleas begin to come into full bloom, the number of hummingbirds seen in the yard will increase. I only put up one feeder in the spring, and gradually add to that number as the season progresses. Many of the birds that appear now will not linger long. Hummingbirds breed well into Canada, and some of the birds that we see are simply migrants that will head north with the spring.

As long as the temperatures are relatively cool, the sugar solution can be left out for five or six days. As the weather becomes warmer, it is necessary to monitor the feeders a bit more closely. If you notice that your sugar solution has become cloudy, it is way past the time to have changed it.

Of course, most of the visitors at your feeders will be hummingbirds, but don’t be surprised if you see an occasional songbird. House finches are well known for their habit of stopping by for a “sweet sip,” and I sometimes see warblers that have learned to negotiate a drink from around the bee-guards.

A few years ago, I was really surprised to discover that flying squirrels like to come to my hummingbird feeders at night. They glide in and land head down, so that the mouth is at the feeding port with the body extended up and legs wrapped around the feeder. I was really intrigued at the idea that they seemed to drink quite easily in this upside-down position.

Eventually, I became so curious that I had to see for myself how this business of moving a liquid through your throat, and against gravity, worked. After giving the matter some thought, I came up with a plan. My husband’s assignment was to stand by with a bottle of water. Then I maneuvered myself into a headstand position, with legs up against the wall. I wasn’t sure what the outcome might be, but I did entertain the possibility that the water could wind up anywhere, so I had a towel handy.

I was amazed. As it turns out, it is just as easy to drink upside down as it is right side up! In fact, it didn’t feel in any respect different. I doubt that the opportunity to demonstrate my newly discovered talent will come up very often, but it was an interesting learning experience.

News and Notes
The Lynchburg Bird Club will hold its annual spring trip to Red Hill, near Brookneal, on Saturday. This beautiful site, the last home of Patrick Henry, always has a wonderful variety of birds. Meet at 7:15 a.m. at Waterlick Plaza Shopping Center. Bring a picnic lunch and something to drink. For more information, call (434) 298-7773.

The Lynchburg Bird Club will host the Ruskin Freer Memorial Walk May 1 along Blackwater Creek. Meet at 8 a.m. at the end of Thompson Drive. This is a leisurely walk along the streamside and will finish by mid-morning. For more information, call (434) 821-1136.