The Return of the Hummingbirds

THE RETURN OF THE HUMMINGBIRDS

The chitter chatter in the air
Of something that flew so near to my ear.
I think it's time. They've returned.
Those rascals are finally here.
I can't be sure. It was all just a blur.
But those little Rubies cause such a big stir.
A clutch of wee ones had arrived season's last
And all summer long they practiced their lessons and learned to fly fast.
The weather turned colder and they had to run,
For you see they are in love with the southern sun.
This year we wait with baited breath for their return
Those precious little gems so dear and elusive
You hardly know they're here they are barely intrusive.
So, fill your feeders and sit by the sill
They'll all be back with empty bellies to fill.
Oh what a joy and wonderful thrill
To see their return, it gives me a chill.

Hummingbirds: There are approximately 343 species of hummingbirds and of those only about eight species reproduce in the United States. Their heart beats approximately 1400 bpm and they do not walk or hop. A hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards. Twenty-five to thirty percent of a hummingbird's muscles are pectoral, which are what helps them to fly. Hummings bird flap their wings between 60 and two hundred times per second. The ruby-throated hummingbird flies approximately five hundred miles non stop over the Gulf of Mexico to migrate to Mexico and other warm southern spots every fall and spring. When they return to the United States they will usually return to their same stomping grounds and every year we watch the hummingbird map to see approximately when they will come home.  When those Rubies get close we put out the feeders and wait with baited breath for their arrival. After their long trip they go right to the feeders and fuel up and go about their business of reproducing and rearing their young.