The weather is warming up, and signs of spring are everywhere — flowers are blooming, animals are out, and hummingbirds are on their way back to Ohio.
Every spring, these tiny birds fly north from places like Mexico and Central America.
They come looking for nectar from flowers, which becomes more available as the weather warms up.
According to Hummingbird Central, hummingbirds have already started their migration.
Some ruby-throated hummingbirds have even been spotted in southern Ohio, but no sightings around the Peak of Ohio.
Before making the long trip, hummingbirds eat a lot — they gain about 25% to 40% of their body weight to give them the energy they need.
They fly close to the ground so they can spot flowers and use tailwinds to help them travel faster.
Male hummingbirds usually arrive first.
Not all hummingbirds migrate though — some stay in warm places like California, the southern U.S., or near the southern Atlantic coast all year.
Hummingbird Central tracks their migration with the help of people who report their sightings.
If you see a hummingbird, you can submit your sighting on their website to help out.
If you want to see hummingbirds in your yard this spring or summer, try planting flowers like butterfly bushes and milkweed.
You can also put up a hummingbird feeder.
Just mix four parts water with one part sugar — no red dye or store-bought nectar is needed, as those can harm the birds.
Want to learn more or report a sighting?
