When they migrate to Central America...they must go across the Gulf of Mexico without any stops to eat or rest along the way. I wondered.....do they come back to the same spot year after year?I have learned that they do. That's why our little nest was occupied for two years with hummingbirds. We watched a program this morning that told about them making their nests by the nest of a Cooper Hawk. The Cooper Hawk feeds on birds, but he doesn't bother with hummingbirds. They are to fast for him. The hawk relishes the birds that kill hummingbirds, so this tiny bird feels safe in the vicinity of the hawk.
People slack off on feeding these little creatures right now...some fear that they will stay too long and not migrate. As I've written here before...the bird knows when to migrate and will go when it is time. So for now, I will fill my feeders with fresh nectar for them to enjoy for the last couple of weeks here. My feeders will go up again on May 1st to welcome these little birds who have given us a season of entertainment. Balisha
8 comments:
My Dad said to put up the hummers feeders on May 1st--that is when the "scouts" come by looking to see if you are on their feeding route, LOL
Balisha, your pictures in this post really complemented your info about these lovely hummingbirds.
And I apologize for realizing too late that aside from posting beautiful verses, recipes and gardening essentials, your blog is also a photoblog... Your pictures are really great...
My feeders are still occupied. I have encore azaleas just under one feeder and a hummingbird plant with tiny red flowers. The afternoon sun was shining and the azaleas looked like they were alive with hummers! The guard at the feeder was terribly distressed that there were so many so close to his sugar supply. It was a magical moment!
I just put mine out last week.
It has been so hot here in the Ca. desert with temps in the 110+ that I was afraid that they would get burned.
I make my own syrup and don't add the coloring. To entice the little guys a bit I replaced the standard plastic flower disk with a silk flower that I pulled apart.
xoxo Bunny Jean
Hi Judy..I think that some birds do have "scouts" They come to check out nesting boxes etc. I know that we have some birds back again the next year. They have markings that help identify them. Have a nice weekend.
Balisha
Hi Mark,
I'm enjoying your posts on Hong Kong. I don't suppose I'll ever get there...so going along, through photos, on your blog...I feel like I'm there. Thank you for your compliments...I'm afraid my photo taking is just point and shoot. Hope your weekend is nice. Balisha
Hi Jean, I would love to have seen what you described. Sounds magical to me too...I think that our hummingbirds are leaving today.
Have a great weekend.
Balisha
Hi Bunny Jean,
I have toyed with the idea of not adding food coloring, but I always fear that they will not come at the beginning of the year. Next year, I think that I will omit it from the syrup.What a great idea to use a silk flower...have a great weekend..
Balisha
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