Are you wondering, "When do hummingbirds come back to Oklahoma?" Don't fret, Oklahomans, everyone is wondering and thousands of hummingbirds are headed right for the Sooner State during their spring migration in the upcoming weeks, so be on the lookout and prepare your hummingbird feeders. If you live in certain parts of the state, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these beautiful and unique birds. Keep your cameras close. Here's everything you need to know about the best time to see hummingbirds in Oklahoma:
Hummingbirds migrate two times a year, once in the fall and then again in the spring. Spring migration is already underway down south, and here in Oklahoma, we'll soon get to see them too.
Hummingbirds travel across a huge expanse of land during their migration, but they're hardworking travelers. A hummingbird can fly up to 1,300 miles in one stretch. Though they're one of the smallest and most delicate birds in the world, they're powerhouses when it comes to travel.
It takes about a full month for hummingbirds to make their way halfway up the United States. Oklahomans will start to spot them in early April, so that is the best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in Oklahoma.
Due to the overall warming of the climate, hummingbirds have been spotted earlier and earlier in the year. Some even spend the winter in the United States.
Pictured here is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Lantana. This is the species you're most likely to spot coming through the state.
Along the journey, many offspring will be born and grow into adults over the next several months. Then, they'll join the group again later this year as they too migrate south for the winter.
The life cycle of hummingbirds moves very quickly. All of this can happen in just one migration period.
One great way to get an up-close look at these majestic birds is to put out a bird feeder. It's also a great way to help feed them along their journey!
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red, so consider getting a feeder in that shade. But keep the sugar water you fill the feeder with clear, red dye can be harmful to the hummingbirds.
If you're someone who consistently puts out a bird feeder you may be in for some repeat visitors.
Hummingbirds are notoriously creatures of habit, which means they visit the same feeders year after year. You may have been feeding the same hummingbird friends for years and never even knew it!
Have you ever seen hummingbirds migrate through Oklahoma? If so, do you have any good tips for feeding them - or perhaps know of the best viewing spots for hummingbirds in Oklahoma?
If you enjoy hummingbirds, then you should check out the only Butterfly House in Oklahoma. It's located in Muskogee at Honor Heights Park and it opens in the spring. You can walk through an open-air exhibit as thousands of butterflies fly around, and even land on you.
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