Houston Hummingbird Season

September is the month where the most hummingbirds are seen in Houston, TX. After raising their chicks during the summer many start migrating back to their wintering grounds in Central Americal and southern Florida. Most of the hummingbirds that are seen here during this time of year are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds - Archilochus colubris.

Right now my feeders have a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that visit on a daily basis. One male is acting aggressive and territorial and chases the others away.

Here he is, showing off his bright ruby throat. He visits the feeder every ten minutes or so and then stays around the yard (usually sitting in the crepe myrtle tree close by) and chases away any other hummingbirds that get near the feeders.

To learn more about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird you can visit this link: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds ...you can see range maps, hear sounds, and read all about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and similar species. Last winter I had a Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbird at my feeders all winter long.

If you'd like to attract hummingbirds to your yard you can buy a hummingbird feeder from most garden centers and online. The one I have is called the Hummzinger by Aspects and I bought mine from the Wild Birds Unlimited store but it is also on Amazon.com.

Hummingbird Food Recipe:

Use 4 parts water to 1 part regular table sugar. Boil sugar water until sugar is dissolved and then let cool completely before filling your feeder.

*Do not use any red food coloring, prepackaged hummingbird food, or any other sweetener to feed hummingbirds.

Also it is very important to clean your feeder every few days or sooner if the weather is warm. I use a plant/mineral based soap, warm water, and a toothbrush to clean the hummingbird feeders. Of course make sure all dirt and soap is rinsed completely from the feeder before filling with food.

Good luck attracting hummingbirds to your yard and check back soon for more hummingbird sightings!