LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Warmer weather has finally arrived in Louisville, and as we are beginning to see signs of spring, we are also seeing the first few hummingbirds migrate through our area.
Hummingbird Central has released its Spring 2024 Hummingbird Migration Map and Sightings, and the birds have begun their move from Mexico and Central America.
According to their website, Hummingbirds love nectar and fly where flowers are more abundant. Right now, states in the south like Texas and Georgia are seeing the most hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds fly low so they can see their potential food sources, so it's very possible you will see the jovial birds while they're looking for a snack.
Before they even start their migration, Hummingbird Central says the birds gain about 25-40% of their weight in order to make the long trek north.
Hummingbirds use their tail winds to get around faster, and its very likely these first birds arriving in Louisville are males, since males typically are the first to arrive.
Hummingbird Central relies on witnesses to input their sightings of hummingbirds so they can track them.
As of Tuesday, April 16, there has been one sighting in west Louisville, a sighting in Shepherdsville and another sighting just across the river in Jeffersonville, Ind. 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 and 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.
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