As many of you may or may not know, I have a collection of witch hats. One might deduce a few things from this admission: 1. that I am a witch, 2. that I am probably that lady on the block that talks to crows, 3. that I really love Halloween and all things autumnal. At least some of these things are true!
As a collector of witch hats and lover of all things autumnal, I am excited about the bountiful beauty of the season…changing leaves…changing light…but most especially the changing birds; the Fall migration, when hummingbirds head to their breeding grounds, and the permanent residents here ready themselves for another breeding season. New temporary residents appear, and some year-round residents begin changing their behavior and their feathers become extra gorgeous!
Many people believe that what drives migration of hummingbirds would be the availability of nectar, but it is actually the cold’s effect on insect numbers that triggers it. Hummingbirds eat a high protein diet of about 80 percent insects, the rest, sugary flower nectar and feeder nectar is more of a support to supplement their diet. Many hummingbirds head south to Mexico and Central America—usually by August in the northerly regions, we can see migrations beginning. Depending upon where you live, you might see different species. Many gather in southern states because they happen to arrive simultaneously. In some states, hummingbird feeding frenzies are welcomed and celebrated with festivities, and if you live in one the “passing through” states or regions, that may be a good time to hang feeders. Feeders give them extra nourishment for their long and arduous journey.
Autumn has traditionally been a time of the harvest-to reap what has been sown, and often, to celebrate that bounty before turning inward during winter. The air begins to cool (unless you live in Southern California) and the autumnal equinox marks the time when day and night are equal. The angle of the sun around this time is perfect for photography.
I also find it a good time for reflection, and this year in particular, there is a lot to reflect upon. Many of us have experiences losses, changes, and in some cases, complete rearranging of our reality. The one constant for me amongst all of these “changes and rearranges” is the presence of birds. For this, I am grateful. I am also grateful that no matter what, at this time of year, the Earth still revolves around the sun, and the autumnal equinox still persists…as it has long before humans…even long before hummingbirds (who were here before humans). It is an ancient and primal happening that lets us know where we are: on a small blue planet just the perfect distance from our sun, at just the right spot in our galaxy, to have created life in all its wonderful diversity.
Hummingbird migrations are a wonder to behold, and to reflect upon. Though bird migrations have changed and rearranged over time, mostly because of human activities, they are still happening. It seems not only important for me to witness these events, but to record them, and to support them however I can.
There is so much wonderful citizen science that we can participate in, but even if we don’t become citizen scientists, we can hang feeders to support the “feeding frenzies” of hummingbirds passing through. Whatever you do to mark this magical time, the autumnal equinox, may you feel a sense of connection to the great forces that converge, to offer the bounty of beauty and complexity we call life.