Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Straight For Tennessee This Fall

Most folks know of the famous hummingbird, the beautiful little fairy of the natural world that consumes twice its weight in nectar every day (oh, to have that metabolism!) and adds a bit of magic to the gardens of the American south. Here in Tennessee we sure do love our tiny hummingbirds, but most folks don’t realize their numbers go WAY, way up come autumn. Why, you ask? Well, it’s migration time!

Sarah Lemarie - Flickr

Hummingbirds remain some of the most beautiful, elegant birds in the animal kingdom. Their petite figures and furiously beating wings have earned them a place in the hearts of American's all over the nation.

sgrace - Flickr

Though they are small they are quite mighty, and hummingbirds make two migrations during the year. They traverse north, from Mexico to Canada in the spring, and south, from Canada back to Mexico, in the autumn.

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Daniel Dionne - Flickr

This fall, you may find yourself entertaining quite a few hummingbirds as they escape the freezing chill of a northern winter and make their way south in a "Feeding Fury". Make sure you hang up extra feeders for their journey home!

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The migration season starts in August, and peters out over the month of September and sometimes even into early October. Quite a few hummingbirds tend to gather in the southern states, feeding on the late blooming flora that studs the American south.

Likeaduck - Flickr

There have already been reported gatherings of these tiny birds in Morristown and Crossville, Tennessee. If you're a hummingbird lover, make sure to keep your eyes peeled. The autumnal migration is in full swing!

tdlucas5000 - Flickr

Interestingly enough, hummingbirds are the smallest migrating bird in the world, and they travel alone. Sometimes for up to 500 miles at a time! Hummingbirds also remain the only bird that can fly backwards.

DC Gardens - Flickr

Pretty amazing, don't you think? Hummingbirds are stunning little creatures, with their fast-moving wings and strikingly long beaks. Strong but mighty, a flock of hummingbirds is considered a "bouquet". A beautiful bouquet of birds. Perhaps you'll see them this fall!

If you’re looking to experience a bit more of Tennessee’s wildlife, make sure to visit the famed Nashville zoo. They even have fun nighttime experiences!