NORFOLK, Va. — The warmer weather is here and with it comes the annual migration of hummingbirds into our area.
Hummingbird Central has released its Spring 2024 Hummingbird Migration Map and Sightings, and the birds have begun their move north from Mexico and Central America.
Hummingbirds love nectar and fly when flowers are more abundant. The birds fly low so they can see their food sources and use their tailwinds to get to their destinations faster.
Before they start their migration, Hummingbird Central says the birds gain about 25 to 40% of their weight in order to make the long trek north.
The first birds to arrive usually are males.
Hummingbird Central relies on witnesses to input their sightings of hummingbirds so they can track them.
With flowers blooming, there have been several reported sightings across Hampton Roads, as well as northeastern North Carolina. All the locally reported sightings have been for the ruby-throated hummingbird Click here to submit your sighting.
You can view their migration on the Hummingbird Central map below.
There are some ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden with flowers and water features, like a bird bath.
Hummingbirds also like to drink nectar, which they get from flowers, like butterfly bushes, milkweed, and feeders. Hummingbird Central has a recipe to make your own nectar. You will need four parts water to one part sugar and mix it together. They recommend to never use red dye or pre-mixed commercial nectar because it may be harmful to hummingbirds.
For more information on the best flowers to attract hummingbirds and the different types of birds, check out Hummingbird Central's website.