This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
October's arrival is usually marked by the vibrant colors of changing leaves, but this year, the leaves remain green and dry. The September rains that typically bring October's color never materialized, making September 2019 the driest on record in Middle Tennessee.
Despite the lack of rain, the light of October is still quiet and mild, a seasonal trigger that tells migratory birds it's time to move on. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, more than 650 species of birds nest in North America, with over half of those species migrating.
The author watches the last of the ruby-throated hummingbirds drinking from the feeders, knowing they are not the same birds that nested in the yard earlier in the summer. These birds are merely stopping by on their journey from nesting grounds further north, and they too will be gone before long.
As the author reflects on the hummingbird migration, they note the changing dynamics of the birds' behavior. In August, the resident hummingbird wars are fierce, but the travelers are much less inclined to quarrel, too tired or too intent on conserving energy to engage in battle.
As the last hummingbird departs, the author is left to wonder which time will be the very last they see them. The predictable rite of autumn continues, a reminder of the changing seasons and the natural world's rhythms.
Margaret Renkl is a contributing opinion writer who covers flora, fauna, politics, and culture in the American South. She is the author of the book 'Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss.'
