by Cristian Rogers | March 2nd, 2026 | Newsletter
By March, winter begins to loosen its grip. The air feels softer, daylight lingers a little longer, and the first hints of green push through damp soil. While the season is still unpredictable—sun one moment, rain the next—there’s a growing sense that something is returning.
In the Lower Mainland, March belongs to hummingbirds.
Unlike many birds that migrate far south, the Anna’s Hummingbird has become a year-round resident in parts of coastal British Columbia. As early spring flowers bloom, these tiny birds grow more visible and more vocal, darting through gardens and forest edges in flashes of emerald and rose.
Why March Is So Active
Early blossoms like currant, Oregon grape, and flowering plum provide critical nectar after the lean winter months. The longer daylight hours also signal the start of courtship season. Males perform dramatic aerial displays—soaring high before diving steeply with a sharp chirp produced by their tail feathers—to attract mates.
Their fast-paced movements aren’t just for show. With heart rates that can exceed 1,000 beats per minute in flight, hummingbirds must feed constantly to fuel their energy demands.
Small Bird, Big Adaptations
Hummingbirds are uniquely equipped for early spring conditions:
- Hovering Flight: Their figure-eight wing motion allows them to hover, fly backward, and pivot midair.
- Cold Survival: On chilly nights, they can enter a state called torpor, slowing their metabolism dramatically to conserve energy.
- Precision Feeding: Long, specialized tongues let them draw nectar efficiently from narrow flowers.
Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial and will defend feeding areas from rivals many times their size.
Watching Without Disrupting
Observing hummingbirds can be magical, especially as gardens come alive again. To keep them safe:
- Plant Native Flowers: Early bloomers provide reliable nectar sources.
- Maintain Clean Feeders: If using feeders, refresh sugar water regularly (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, no dye).
- Give Them Space: Avoid crowding nesting areas, which are often delicately built on thin branches.
So when March skies shift between rain and sun, listen for the faint buzz that sounds almost like a distant bee. Among the budding branches, hummingbirds are already at work—tiny heralds of the season ahead.
Happy Hummingbird Watching! 🌸