The dictionary defines a humdinger as “a remarkable or outstanding thing of its kind.” Well, this is the time of the year, when in our neck of the woods, we welcome back the humdingers of the avian world.

I remember newscasts, at this time of year, mentioning that the “swallows were returning to Capistrano.” This may be hard to swallow but we have an avian species that should rival the excitement and influx of tourism that put Capistrano on the map.

Maybe it is time to promote the “Hummingbirds Returning to Sullivan County.” Like many bird species, hummingbirds migrate. They take a journey back to us at the start of summer. Collectively they can sense that daylight hours are increasing every day. They spend weeks beforehand consuming as much nectar and protein as they can for the trip. 

They travel at incredible speeds. For example, they can cross the 500 miles of the Gulf of Mexico in one night. Over land, hummingbirds migrate traveling at 25 miles a day. They take breaks for rest and food as needed. 

Depending on the type of hummingbird they arrive at destinations that have been ingrained in them for centuries. There are over 300 species of hummingbirds that vary in color, size and length. Those who summer in our area, migrate in the fall, choosing either Mexico, Central America or Florida. 

If you enjoy the aerial acrobatics of movies like “Top Gun” then you are really going to enjoy watching the maneuvers of hummingbirds. Unlike any other bird species, they have the ability to fly backward, upside down and even sideways. To perform like that, they can beat their wings at an astonishing rate. The largest species flap their wings approximately 12 beats per second. The smaller varieties, the ones most often seen in our region beat their wings at an unbelievable 80 beats per second. It is this rapid wing movement that allows them to defy gravity as they sip nectar from various blossoms. If you are fortunate enough to watch a hummingbird feed, you will be entertained by their aerial ballet. 

Since I brought it up, let us get into what they like to eat. They primarily look for flowers that have a long stem that contains sweet nectar. Unlike other birds, they have a tube-like beak that extends long enough to dive to get the sweet nectar. 

I have installed hummingbird feeders on my property filled with sugar water that attracts and satisfies those birds. But their diet also requires protein that they get from insects and small caterpillars. I utilize a specialized feeder that attracts fruit flies, one of their favorite treats. I slice up bananas and pears and place them in the feeder. Attracted to the aroma, fruit flies lay eggs on the fruit. Soon hungry hummingbirds hover near the feeder’s slots to consume the flies. My payoff is sitting back and watching the feeding frenzy.

Hummingbirds are also clean freaks. They groom themselves by using small twigs to clean hard to reach areas. Sometimes you see them rubbing against branches to remove excess pollen and dirt. They also love taking bird baths. Instinctively they know that clean feathers aide in their flight.

They protect their territory from even other hummingbirds. Finding a source of food, they will fight off other hummingbirds. Males will protect their territory which usually is about as big as one-third of an acre. This way they maintain an adequate source of life saving calories and provide a safe haven for their females. 

Sometimes hummingbirds communicate with short rapid sounds that seem to resemble chirps. But their most recognized “humming sounds” are actually produced by their wing movements rather than their throats. As they fly or hover, their wings create a buzzing or whirring sound that also serves to fend off other males in their protected feeding territories. 

So, enjoy our humming visitors as they offer you a chance to witness the wonder of nature!

Hudson Cooper is a resident of Sullivan County, a writer, comedian and actor.