Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From:
Celtaddict
Date: 21 May 04 - 11:11 PM
We have ruby-throated hummingbirds here each year, in the plants (chosen for them and the butterflies) and the feeders, back and front. One we call Backyard Bird has been here for several years. I have no doubt it is the same bird. In general they are quick and fearless but Backyard Bird not only chases away all others she catches (as many do), if the feeder is low she comes and fusses in my face, and follows me right into the kitchen to watch me refill. This year she was back before I had the feeder out. I was on the back deck and she came right into my face, to the feeder hook, to my face, to the hook, chittering furiously, until I went to get it. She sat composedly while I filled it and was down for a drink before the nectar stopped moving when I hung it.
Blackcatter, a reasonable feeder can be made of a smallish (8 ounce or so) glass bottle, with a cork or rubber stopper to fit, and a plastic drinking straw, the kind with pleats so it can be bent. Cut a hole in the cork, put the straw in and cut it off flush inside, so the flexible part is an inch or so outside the cork. Cut the straw again about an inch beyond the curve and bend it. Put this and the bottle in a pan and boil it. When it is cool, fill it. Use coat hanger wire around the neck of the bottle and make a hook to hang it up, with the cork end down, or use a string to make a big loop over the "bottom" of the bottle (now the top of the feeder) and wrap duct tape around it. Red tape, plastic flower, or a bit of red ribbon around the straw will get the attention faster. Remember to boil the cork and straw when you refill, because the pleats and the natural cork can become contaminated.
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sj
