Humming birds are a natural wonder indeed. I can spend hours watching them!

Many decades ago electric fence insulators were a bright red in color. I assume this was the case so farmers could spot their posts. The consequence was disastrous to hummers. They were electrocuted in countless numbers.

Hummingbirds are great pollinators, and cause no crop damage.

Ruby throated hummingbirds is 99% of the species one will see in MO. However, there is always a chance a Rufus Hummingbird could show up. Typically they are found further south. They do look different, especially the male.

Once many years ago, there way a male Rufus that hung around a St. Joe feeder until early December!! The fella feeding the bird would provide warmed sugar water. I remember seeing the steam rise from the feeder on frosty mornings! I seriously doubt that bird made back south.

Keep your eyes open, in the Ozarks area and SW MO in particular. Like most all birds, a few sometimes get off-track and documented hundreds or thousands of miles from their historical range...

Good birding!