We have seen a number of ruby-throated hummingbirds in the butterfly garden recently. In the Fall fewer Ruby-throats cross the Gulf of Mexico than in Spring. Traveling up to 23 miles a day in the Fall mostly along the Texas coast back into Mexico to avoid tropical storms and hurricanes. Whereas in the Spring, they can cover a distance of approximately 500 miles, flying non-stop for 18 to 22 hours to reach the other side of the Gulf. Sometimes they’ll stay in Texas year round if they are too old or too young. While hummingbirds can and have been seen eating mosquitos, their primary food source is actually nectar. Photo courtesy of Tyson Vodochodsky.
