Watch for hummingbirds then learn about them at Conservation Campus Nature Center

Now is the perfect time to view hummingbirds.

Late July and August are prime time for hummingbird migration in the area as ruby-throated hummingbirds gear up for their journey south. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are intensely inquisitive and easily attracted to feeders, where males in particular typically display aggressive behavior toward rivals, other birds and insects. They quickly become accustomed to human presence and will swoop down to investigate red articles of clothing, possibly seeing them as potential food sources.

Conservation Campus Nature Center naturalist Mary Jane Fieser said ruby-throated hummingbirds spend their summers in Southeast Missouri but during August and September, it seems they are seen everywhere. She believes there are more hummingbirds seen during this season because the summer's new, young birds have been added to the population.

To attracting hummingbirds flying to their winter range in Central America, hang a hummingbird feeder filled with mixture of one part sugar to four parts water. Fieser said it is not necessary to color the mixture.

Fieser said feeders should be left up until the end of November to accommodate stragglers who are bringing up the rear of the migratory journey.

Another way to attract hummingbirds is to plant nectar-producing native wildflowers including red buckeye, columbine, royal catchfly, wild bergamot, foxglove, purple beardtongue, garden phlox, blue sage and rose verbena.

A lesson in hummingbird banding by master banders, Lanny Chambers and Cathie Hutcheson, begins at 8 a.m. Aug. 16 at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center.

The annual Hummingbird Celebration for all ages is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and requires no registration.

There will be information stations and seminars to provide tips on attracting hummingbirds, gardening and feeder care plus the fledgling fun corner for children.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133