Keep your eyes on the skies—ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their way south through Louisiana as part of their annual migration. Activity will peak in October, when these tiny travelers are most visible in local yards and gardens.

Most of the hummingbirds seen this time of year are transients passing through on their way to Central America, though some will linger and spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. Each bird beats its wings up to 80 times per second and keeps a heartbeat racing at 1,260 beats per minute—burning enormous amounts of energy on their journey.

During migration, hummingbirds feed every 10 to 15 minutes, often consuming up to three times their body weight in food each day. Residents can help by keeping feeders filled with fresh sugar water (a simple mix of four parts water to one part sugar, with no red dye needed) and by planting nectar-rich flowers to provide natural food sources.

Every sip matters for these tiny travelers.