Thip! Thap! Shhiup!" tells the story of two young Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, R.T. and Ruby. Their adventure begins when the Voice of Instinct whispers, "You must fly away now! Winter is coming!" They get ready to migrate by stuffing themselves on gnats (Thip!), midges (Thap!) and nectar (Shhiup!) They grow fat and strong and one starry night, they start their journey. When they reach the coast they face a vast emptiness: the Gulf of Mexico. That night, with flocks of other birds, they set out across the water. The trip nearly turns deadly when a thunderstorm crashes around them. Yet at last, tired and hungry, R.T. and Ruby succeed in reaching the coast of Mexico. There they find plenty of gnats (Thip!), midges (Thap!) and nectar (Shhiup!).