Bird Migration Through Virginia: Insights and Tips from David Carr

Hummingbirds and Songbirds: The Seasonal Migratory Journey Across Virginia

As autumn unfolds, Virginia becomes a temporary haven for migratory birds journeying southward. These avian travelers, including hummingbirds and songbirds, make a significant trek from North America to Central America, a journey that has captivated bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.

David Carr, an avid birder and director at the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm near Winchester, offers insights into this remarkable migration and what we can do to support these birds’ journeys.

Current Migration Patterns Across Virginia

The migration period for songbirds began in late August or early September, and it is now nearing its end. These neotropical migrants, including those spotted in Clarke County, are headed to Central and South America. “We’re seeing the last of the hummingbirds,” Carr noted, with the latest sighting in the Charlottesville area on October 3.

As these birds move on, others from further north, including yellow-bellied sapsuckers, various sparrow species, and purple finches, arrive in Virginia to spend the winter months.

Understanding Hummingbird Migration

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the sole species breeding in the eastern United States. “You can be almost 100% assured that any hummingbird that you see in Virginia from late April through October is going to be a ruby-throated hummingbird,” Carr explained. They prepare for migration by significantly increasing their body weight, storing energy as fat, which is essential for their long flight to Central America, reaching as far south as Panama.

Unlike many other birds, hummingbirds typically migrate alone, despite often being seen together at feeders.

Differences Between Fall and Spring Journeys

The migration southward is less hurried compared to the spring. In spring, the urgency to reach breeding grounds is higher, with many ruby-throated hummingbirds making a direct flight from the Yucatan Peninsula over the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf Coast in a single day. In contrast, the fall journey allows for a more leisurely pace, with birds stopping along the U.S. Gulf Coast before continuing into Mexico.

Supporting Migratory Birds

There are several ways to assist these migratory birds. In addition to using feeders, planting native flowers like trumpet honeysuckle and trumpet creepers can provide natural food sources for hummingbirds. Maintaining clean feeders is also important in offering support to these birds during their migration.