Tag: hummingbirds

Hummingbirds in Milam County

Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Donna Lewis

It is getting hot every day now, so it is important to remember a few tips for our smallest bird friends. They need  fresh water just like every living thing.

My hummers like to fly though a small sprinkler that I put out just for them every afternoon around 5:30 pm.  I place it under a tree for shade and a sense of security. They cool down and get a bath at the same time.  It’s fun to see them play.

Hummingbirds enjoy a little shower. Image by @murophoto via Twenty20.

We also need to remember that hot weather will make the sugar water ferment very fast. So,  clean and put out new nectar in the feeders at least every 3 to 4 days. Sugar water should be 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.

Hummingbirds like fresh nectar. Image from Creative Commons.

Native plants are actually the best food for them. They also like little bugs for protein. Their favorite plant here at my place is the Coral Honeysuckle I have on a fence. They spend more time drinking from its tubular flowers than drinking from the feeders.

Tubular flowers are the best! Photo by  @malisunshine via Twenty20

Its good to place the feeders under some shade if you can.  This keeps the sugar water from getting so hot.

Right now the males are doing their courtship dance.  A high deep dive in a U shape pattern in front of a potential bride..

Ladies… you get to pick.

Welcome Home, Boss

Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall2 Comments

by Larry Kocian

Yesterday, many of us mentioned hearing and seeing hummingbirds in the tree tops, gardens, and at some feeders. Today, just after noontime, this hummingbird posed for the camera. Enjoy the short narrative as to what happened.

I looked out the window and saw a hummingbird at the feeder. I grabbed the big camera and went outside, somewhat hidden, and stayed motionless for 15 minutes or so.

Can’t tell who it is from here.

It was still raining off and on, pleasantly mild, thundering, all foliage was wet. The hummingbird sat on a tiny branch on a large Crape Myrtle tree next to the feeder. Did he see me? Most likely! So it was standoff. I stayed motionless and was not going to move, no matter what was itching or biting me. This went on for many minutes; it seemed like forever.

Big raindrops began to fall again. A couple of Carolina Wrens landed in the same tree. The hummingbird was aggravated with them and chased them off. I waited a few more minutes, raindrops more frequent. Then, the hummingbird made his move.

Yummy!

My camera clicked rapidly at the fast-moving target. I wondered, “What type of hummingbird are you, who are you?” I asked repeatedly.

Then, after feeding a couple of times at the left feeder, he came right at me to the camera. I zoomed the lens back, he positioned himself in the upright position, and revealed his identity, proclaiming, “I am back.”

The Big Reveal!

Then he went to the second feeder to feed. Welcome home, Ruby Red-throated Hummer.