Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures. They have the ability to fly backwards which is unique in the bird community. While ruby-throated hummingbirds can be seen from February to November along the Gulf Coast, August-October are the most active for birdwatchers. This is the time when the birds that migrated North are coming back down to the coast to get ready for their trip across the Gulf of Mexico for their winter stay. We also have the juvenile birds getting ready as well. On an August morning a mature male ruby put on an aerial show around a pineapple sage plant. 

This male is perched in a tree, overlooking the territory it has claimed. They are very guarded over their food source and will chase other hummingbirds out. This is how most hummingbirds spend their time. If they flew constantly they could would die as it requires great energy to keep flying. They typically feed about 4-5 times in an hour. In the late summer months they not only have to feed to sustain, but also to store fat for their trip across the Gulf of Mexico.

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