Tiny Wings of Wonder: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Returns to Arkansas

The beauty of the spring season is upon us. As warmer temperatures arrive in Arkansas, so does the arrival of the ruby-throated hummingbird.

Mystic of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

There's just something magical about hummingbirds. They are so tiny, with fast-moving wings that remind me of what a mythical fairy might look like. What makes them so unique are their rapid movements, their wings move more than 50 times a second, emitting a buzz-like sound, thus the name hummingbird. Perhaps the most intriguing thing about the hummingbird is they can recognize humans. Male hummingbirds can also chirp loudly attracting females and flash their gorget, their brightly-colored throat feathers. I guess that's like guys flexing their muscles and pecs!

Hummingbirds are known for flying up to 30 miles per hour and fly 23 miles in one day. When they are migrating across the Gulf of Mexico (America) they can travel 500 miles easily. These tiny wings of wonders are truly birds of a different feather.

Positive Vibes

It's believed that if a hummingbird flys around you that signifies positive messages or good thoughts from someone else in the world or a loved one in the afterlife.

Hummingbirds Arrival in Arkansas

Whether you love watching or feeding them nectar from a backyard feeder, hummingbirds are fun to observe. Now is the time to start setting up your feeders as the ruby-throated hummingbirds are beginning their long migration from Mexico and Central America to Arkansas for breeding purposes this summer. So, if you haven't cleaned your feeder now is the time assuring that the hummingbird receives fresh nectar. Planting certain types of wildflowers is also an attraction for hummingbirds.

You are likely to start seeing the ruby-throated hummingbird in North America in mid-March to early April.

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