Hummingbirds seem to be everywhere right now, buzzing around the yard, jostling for nectar. Each year, the amount we see during migration grows. I think this is not only because we just keep planting stuff, but we are seeing the children of birds who have visited in previous years. It’s very exciting! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Every picture I post this week will be from the area of the Wakarusa Wetlands that will be obliterated by the SLT. I have hundreds of pictures of hundreds of species who will be displaced and/or killed by greed and indifference.
This will be gone. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
https://www.facebook.com/wetlandspreservationorganization
Every picture I post this week and next will be from the area of the Wakarusa Wetlands that will be obliterated by the SLT. I have hundreds of pictures of hundreds of species who will be displaced and/or killed by greed and indifference.
This will be gone.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
https://www.facebook.com/wetlandspreservationorganization
I saw some very interesting hummingbird activity this morning. Two of them were jostling over the feeder as they generally do. One was circling the other while she was drinking. I think the one circling the feeder was an immature male. Suddenly, the female left the feeder, chased the male a short distance, he dropped to the ground, and then she sat on him for a few seconds. They both got back up, she went back to drinking, he came back, and then they did it again. I ran outside because I thought it might be fighting and that I would have to take one of them to Operation Wildlife. However, they both flew up to a branch and sat about a foot away from each other for several minutes. The female flew off, but the young male stayed on the branch for a long time. I watched for a while just in case he was injured, but he came to drink, then flew away. I have never seen anything like that. The sight of one hummingbird pinning another to the ground was quite something. Curious, I did a search and it seems this behavior is not uncommon and can sometimes be quite violent. I certainly hope they don’t hurt each other!
© Chris Taylor
A cold front and north winds coming in tonight will probably signal to this young one that it is time to move on. It’s been a pleasure hanging out with him for the many mornings he has been around. I was trying to guess his age since he does not have the full gorget. I read that will happen over his first winter, so he is indeed a young one. He has certainly been defending the feeder like a pro, but he has the curiosity of the young. I’ve been wondering around in the yard a few times and looked up to see him on a branch or the power line directly over my head. I wish him a safe trip south. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The first time I saw this, I though it was really strange, then I Googled it. Apparently, downy woodpeckers are quite fond of hummingbird nectar. Who knew! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
We put our hummingbird feeders up again and immediately received many visitors. The heat is hard on them, too. I noticed this morning one flying back and forth through the mister we have set up by the bird bath. Misters are great to use in this kind of weather as they use very little water, but they cool the air around them considerably. The birds will fly through them, or just sit under them. When it is this hot, it is also a good idea to change the nectar every day. The heat will ferment it fast and it does not help the hummers much if the nectar is making them sick. Wash the feeder out with hot water. While one should avoid any kind of detergent, a vinegar/water solution will work. Rinse the feeder well. Never buy the pre-made nectar or the mixes. Most of them contain dyes and chemicals that are harmful to hummers. Use a good fair trade sugar (the Wholesome brand is also vegan). 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of boiling water is all you need. Let it cool a bit, stick it in the fridge, and it will be good for about a week.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I think he is waiting for the winds to change. I’m going to miss him sitting on the patio. I wish him a safe trip south. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
They say that hummingbirds gain twice their body weight before taking off for Mexico and Central America. I think this little fellow is just about ready to go. I will be surprised if he is still here tomorrow. I wish him a very good and safe trip. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
