Cool Hummingbird Encounter

[jessicaboyer89]

Every morning I take Tiki out onto our deck so both of us can enjoy a little morning sunshine. We had quite the experience a couple of days ago. I have a hummingbird feeder hanging from a branch less than a foot from the deck. I was standing near it with Tiki on my shoulder when a beautiful hummingbird came and used the feeder. I was thrilled that I got to see one so close and Tiki chirped her hello. (She was so cute with her neck stretched as far as it could go to check the hummer out.) Well, all of a sudden the hummingbird flew right infront of my nose and hovered there for several seconds checking us out. He was literally an inch from my face. Then he flew over to a nearby branch and the three of us just looked at each other. Then he did it again! This time for at least 30 seconds, which seemed like an eternity! He, again, flew over to another branch and then took off after a second hummingbird. I don't know if this is unusual but Tiki and I sure enjoyed it. I like to guess that the hummingbird just couldn't understand what a bird was doing on my shoulder and came to check us out.

[The Outlaw]

I know they are curious little creatures. I have a fish pond that has some flowers planted that draw hummers.Its pretty much a naturalized pond, so it requires very little maintenance. Occasionally, I do have to weed and trim. The little hummers always come right up to your face and defend their territory, I suspect. I was once weeding and felt this buzzing in front of my head. I just assumed it was a bee. Everytime I'd go to swat it, it would return. Upon closer inspection it was a little ruby throated hummingbird. They really are brave little cusses and a joy to behold.

THE OUTLAW

[cgrite]

I have to agree......they are very curious......i have two feeders attatched by suction cups to one of my windows and the rubies are always humming around checkin out whats goin on inside.....what an awesome sight they are.....

[TooLover]

I absolutely adore the hummers! We have a feeder hanging right outside the bird area on the porch. When they come to feed my fids can see them, and ElwoodBlue usually gives them a "hello".

[Crebain]

Originally Posted by elwoodblue

I absolutely adore the hummers!

Me too! :shock:

[Crebain]

Walmart has them. Does anybody know what kind of feeders are best? If J is getting one, so am I!

Here in Packerland we only have ruby-throated, but we also have a moth (sphinx?) that feeds at dusk that looks just like a hummingbird in flight...

[MsSmurfy]

Originally Posted by Crebain

Walmart has them. Does anybody know what kind of feeders are best? If J is getting one, so am I!

Here in Packerland we only have ruby-throated, but we also have a moth (sphinx?) that feeds at dusk that looks just like a hummingbird in flight...

YEP..the best to get are the ones that do NOT leak!!! Also make sure you get the one that can be cleaned out inside real easy...I use to have bunches of them when I lived in the country...the Hummers are awesome..the hummers really need just sugar water..ya really don't use the red dye, artificial stuff isn't that good for them...also, make sure you put your feeders away from open garage doors & their doorways, like on sides of decks sometimes have...the hummers get stuck high up in the rafters of those garages that are not drywalled/ceiling and they die IF ya don't catch them...I used to spend oodles of time trying to save thier lives..if by chance you do find one that finally is exhausted & falls to a surface...you can pick them up ever so gently & put thier lil pointed beak directly into the sugar water...then hold real still watch them suck up the nutrient & suddenly whisk away!!! I saved many many that way...they need sugar as fuel to fly they can not travel very far without re-fueling cause thier body size & speed of thier wings! Fascinating creatures....

[Crebain]

I wouldn't be surprised if the moths visited hummingbird feeders.

[TooLover]

The best hummingbird feeders are the glass ones; they have a red top with red and yellow flowers. Ours have little perches on them so the hummers can sit and drink instead of hovering. They stay at the feeder a lot longer that way. And yes, they do only like the sugar water. We haven't had a lot of luck with the premixed stuff you can buy in the stores, plus it is quite pricey.
Get shopping Joel...........................
^_^

[MsSmurfy]

Originally Posted by Crebain

I wouldn't be surprised if the moths visited hummingbird feeders.

UUUuuuuummmmm, actually the biggest problem always was the B-1 Bombers (yellow jackets & wasps`bbbzzzzzz!) And you have to change the liquid quite often if the temperature is hot, cause it will SOUR & mold even! Soooo its a wee bit of req. paying attention to! Also since hummers are territorial..I learned really quick that one feeder was NOT sufficient...you guys might enjoy the 'sparring' that goes on between the hummers BUT sometimes it ends up exhausting one & causing it to lose enough energy to not make it to another sugar source..so I was a softee...I hung bunches of feeders in various areas! Even watched the lil guys wait thier turn by sitting upon my laundry lines..they do in fact sit still with tiny feet!