I have seen more of the unusual I think. I was watching 2 Hummer's at the feeder when all of a sudden one dropped to the ground. I thought it died right before my eye's. I went out and touched it and it got up and flew away into a tree. It happend once again and I went out and touched it and it got up and flew away. The 3rd time I saw a red throatd hummer doing this flight pattern of the big U and she fell to the ground and he went down and got on top of her for a very short time. He left and she flew away. I am guessing they had a mating came going on. I am curious as to why she kept falling to the ground. Is this normal for them to do. May 17th 2011 Michigan

Hummersteve, very interesting article so thanks for the link. Also, the info regarding north and south migration was very enlightening...amazing stuff about these little jewels...which leads me to another observation. There's been much discussion about the sugar/water ratio and what's actually best. Pros and Cons both regarding 4/1 and 3/1. In reading about south migration, the article said they must double their weight, and 3/1 was recommended for several reasons, one being that in late summer, their natural nectar sources have diminished considerably. In all the years I've had feeders and an abundance of hummers, I've used the 4/1...HOWEVER, maybe I need to increase to a 3/1. Maybe the hummers don't know the difference, but if 3/1 is best, then I'll change it immediately! And yes, you were so lucky to have witnessed the mating ritual...in the right place at the right time!!! If you had blinked just once, you'd have missed it! Donna

Linda, I think it's a little late for them to be mating where you are. You have Ruby-throats, no? The male does a mating dance before they mate. It's a U; he goes up and down and makes a buzzing sound. I'm further south than you are and I haven't seen a male for almost a month. They have stared migrating to Mexico and beyond. I think in the deep South they can have several broods. I wonder if they mate even if the female isn't going to conceive. I kind of doubt it.

alii--- In hummer migration when they head back south many try to cross the gulf of mexico which is a 600mi flight nonstop and some cant make it, so can you imagine how they might cross the atlantic to get to the UK. seagull73--- First of all here in eastern half of US we only see the rubythroat and in the spring the males arrive first soon followed by the females. I have seen some dramatic displays of courtship from a small 6-7ft U shaped dance to a U spanning a distance of 30-40 across and high. Ive been told by banders that the more serious courtship dance is when they do a horizontal side to side 1ft or less distance right in front of the female , this usually means they will mate soon after although not neccarily at that point but maybe a short distance away from that spot. I have also seen males actually drive the female to the ground. Personally I think this is the serious one. Hope this helps a little