Since I have received many interesting questions from readers I thought I would share a few of them. By far the most amusing question came from a reader who experienced a close encounter with a hummingbird.

Q: A hummingbird recently took a sip of red wine from my glass. Do they like to get tipsy?

A: It must have been quite a surprise to have that hummingbird fly right up to you while you were relaxing on your porch with a glass of wine. I believe the reason the hummingbird decided to drink from your glass was because of the red color of the wine. Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red because many of the flowers that contain sufficient amounts of nectar are often red. These are usually tubular shaped flowers from which the hummingbird can access nectar. I don't know if birds enjoy getting intoxicated, but some such as the cedar waxwing often do when they eat fermented fruit.

Q: Is it true that birds are expanding their ranges north? I definitely notice the red-bellied woodpecker becoming more common. I never had them at my feeder 15 years ago. I remember them from when I was younger living in Florida. Is this because of climate change?

A: Many species have expanded their range north. While the reasons these birds are moving north are many, most studies point to climate change as the major reason. Certainly, suburban sprawl with its ornamental fruit trees and the increase in bird feeding have played a role in this, too. However, it is not just land birds that are expanding their ranges north. Coastal birds are moving inland and north. The southern limit of northern species' breeding ranges are also retreating.

The average January temperature has risen significantly over the past 40 years. Consequently, 58 percent of North American birds have extended their presence north. Red-bellied woodpeckers were reported as vagrants in southern New England in 1950 and by 1970 were making regular appearances. By the late 1980s they were getting established along the warmer valleys. During the last 20 years their numbers dramatically increased.

The tufted titmouse has a similar history with populations first established in the river valleys. Today, both species are abundant and thriving.

The northern cardinal is another bird from the south. It has expanded its range through Connecticut and clear up to Vermont. I can find them as far north as White River Junction, but beyond that they are only locally common. The Carolina wren is making its way north and finding all kinds of ways to survive the cold. I had one roosting in my garage one winter.

The mockingbird is the state bird of Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona and Mississippi. However, by the 1970s mockingbirds were numerous in many northern states, and their history as a southern bird was over. They began to show up consistently in New London County about 40 years ago.

Q: Where can I go to view the fall hawk migration?

A: The best place is Mount Tom State Park in Holyoke, Mass. There are a few places in western Connecticut, too. Locally, I recommend visiting the coast where juvenile hawks migrate before they learn the way south, riding along thermals beside escarpments and mountain ridges. Mount Tom is nationally known and just off Interstate 91.

Robert Tougias is a birding author who lives in Colchester. He offers color slide presentations and takes questions at rtougias@snet.net.