The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left my yard and headed for Mexico.

After frenzied eating, the hummingbirds have begun their long journey southwest. I just returned from Texas and on an airplane it took over two hours.

The trip made me wonder how a little hummingbird could get some relief from that long flight. A fun picture book would show a hummingbird hanging on to a kite, sitting on a hot air balloon, and instead of flying across the Gulf of Mexico, it could rest on the mast of a sailboat.

I am always sad to see my little friends leave, and I eagerly look forward to their return next April. I remember the film The Red Balloon that floated from place to place without popping. Maybe there is a wayward party balloon that will give Henri Hummer a ride.