PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 26, 2026
In eastern North America, we typically only have one species of hummingbird, the ruby-throated hummingbird. It is a migratory species that arrives in Maine each spring then spends the summer nesting across the state. Most ruby-throated hummingbirds depart in September, though we do get reports of small numbers lingering into October and many fewer in November. In October, we should be on the lookout for both ruby-throated hummingbirds as well as western selasphorus hummingbirds. The proper hummingbird food is a simple 4-to-1 ratio of water to plain white sugar. Do not use red dyes, and sugar alternatives. ~ Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist