BS: Hummingbirds

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Blackcatter
Date: 19 May 04 - 12:07 PM

Hummingbirds - nature's Stadycams.

SRS - goodness the story get's more and more charming. I'm half expecting that next oyu'll tell us you two sung a duet.

Thousands of parakeets are lost every year, most don't survive, and rarely just because of the coming of winter.

By the way - I'll slip in a little music connection here: You probably know that the fans of Jimmy Buffett are know as Parrotheads. Know that whire kids are called? Parakeets.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 May 04 - 11:25 AM

I told a friend at work about my morning adventure--she keeps love birds, and she agreed that this little guy couldn't have fed himself.

I caught the parakeet by putting some sunflower seeds in that butter tub, but the bird would pick them up and toss them out! I reached in and picked up a couple of seeds and crushed them between my fingers then dropped them back in. The bird hopped into the cup and ate the seed out of the husk--he as quite alert to what was going on. My lovebird friend was in stitches when I described the two of us at one point, the bird perched on the cup and me reaching in for seeds, biting them to break them open, and dropping them back into the cup for the bird to hop down and eat. I realized he'd starve before I could bite open enough seeds, so that's when I just put my hand over the cup on his next hop in and took him into the house and went to buy bird food.

Now there's an elegant little dove (almost looks like an Inca dove) hanging around out back next to the house and under the pottery stuff. I wonder if she is looking for her parakeet friend? I guess maybe this is when I go and buy a bird feeder and some seed. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: 42
Date: 19 May 04 - 06:39 AM

a gibson hummingbird is a guitar. Watched the feathered kind grazing through the blossoms on my cherry tree this morning...totally ignoring the feeder I had so carefully sterilized and filled.
whodathunkit?
j

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 May 04 - 06:13 AM

Took me long enough to realize that I lost my cookie- GUEST 5:59 AM was me.

Allison-wh-cleaned-the-feeder-yesterday

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 04 - 06:09 AM

If the feeder has been out for several days and the level has not gone down, check to make sure that the spout has not crystallized. If it has, take it down and clean it with warm water.

In re bleach, the proper mix is no stronger than 1:20, bleach to water. Using this mix and air drying after washing thoroughly will clean it to medical standards.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 04 - 05:59 AM

Sweet story,, SRS!
Thanks, Raptor- I'm glad I've got her favorite perch. But I do worry- maybe Blackcatter is right and the CIA have implanted a tiny camera- she can see everything that goes on in the house!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 18 May 04 - 08:42 PM

The little hummers showed up yesterday when Maggie put a red flowering cactus out on the deck in the rain. When I noticed the female ruby throated hummingbird sipping from the flowers, I immediately went to look for the feeder. I washed it thoroughly first, mixed up some feed and hung up the feeder under the eves of the porch. Within a half hour the female was back, this time at the feeder.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Bobert
Date: 18 May 04 - 08:41 PM

Well, our humming irds are nesting so we don't see much of them, but they are around. They love manarta (bee balm), cleolme and red honey suckle which will all be in bloom soon... they grow in a bed right outside our bedroom so we'll be waking up to them buggers fliting around it...

Good on you SRS... God keep track of those kinda things...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 May 04 - 08:29 PM

Hence the concept of the "BS"

But feel free to add to the discussion - What's a Gibson Hummingbird?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 May 04 - 08:05 PM

This is rubbish. I thought it would be about Gibson Hummingbirds....

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 May 04 - 07:44 PM

SRS - thanks for saving the parakeet, I had one as a kid and after 9 years of living with me, my parents decided that it was time not to have pets anymore so they gave it to another family without telling me. You's didn't happen to answer to the name Misty did it?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Raptor
Date: 18 May 04 - 07:11 PM

What a wonderfull story thank you!

Allison it's definatly a female and not that uncommon for them to take to a favorite perch! Enjoy!

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 May 04 - 02:57 PM

I wonder if I turned the water off after the bird distracted me?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 May 04 - 02:56 PM

My routine was interrupted this morning. I had my second cup of tea after dropping the kids at school. I was out watering some new plantings before heading to work. A blur of color came along side, and I realized it wasn't a butterfly but a parakeet. This hungry little guy had honed in on the only human in the area, and after walking right up to him and doing a little dance up and down the top of the fence pickets, I caught it and took it into the house. He/she hung out in the back bathroom, sitting for a while on the little hand-scrubber brush by the sink, and later perched on the toothpaste tube. I drove over to a pet store and got some food, and this little guy dove right into the little butter tub as I filled it. I had first called the garden center nearby because they sell wild bird food and keep several larger birds. They didn't have the right food, but the woman I spoke with said she'd take the bird, since her daughter wants one. Perfect! I have cats, and think the temptation to misbehave around a cage would be too great for my two fe-lions. I picked up a loaner bird cage from the garden center and delivered him, all within about an hour of catching him. Yes, I know he was someone's escaped pet, but since he is a bird, he could have traveled a fair distance before he got hungry enough to attract my attention. Putting out "found parakeet" signs just seemed a bit of a reach, but if I hear of anyone who lost one, I might direct them to the garden center. Where a happy 12-year-old girl will have bonded with her new bird, brought home by her happy mother.

Interesting morning. My kids are going to complain that I didn't keep it for them to see, but they'd have fallen in love with it, and I already have enough work just keeping the cat boxes clean.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 May 04 - 01:09 PM

She's probably a spy.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 04 - 01:06 PM

I've had a couple of ruby throats this week but the strangest thing has been going on since yesterday- one lone hummer- no red on its throat (femal?) has been sitting on one of the perches, absolutely still, except for an occasional blink of an eye or cock of the head, for the longest time! She seems to be sitting there for hours, at least she's there whenever I look, and she seems to know I'm there, but if I move slowly or stand still she just sits there- not eating, just sitting. If I move suddenly she flies away, then comes back when I'm out of sight.

I've never seen anything like it in my life! Remember, my feeder is attached to the window, so she's only inches away from my face. What an honor!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Raptor
Date: 18 May 04 - 09:27 AM

The experts say change water every 4-5 days but I've also seen studies that say once a week is fine and so I change every Sunday morning religiously so I don't forget! And cooking a big batch is a good idea to save time and electricity, Just make sure you don't get growth in the batch.If in doubt...

My oriole feeder is also getting good business!

Happy Birding

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Blackcatter
Date: 17 May 04 - 05:45 PM

Deckman, It's eventually had to be said. I particularly like "birds" that hum.


Here in Florida, my feeder is out year round. Saw a hummingbird on the Winter Solstice last year.


By the way - I don't think it was said yet - but don't use honey in your feeders. You can give the HBs some growths on their beaks. stick with sugar & water.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Chief Chaos
Date: 17 May 04 - 05:21 PM

We've only seen one so far this year.
It sees to like the white Jasmine in back and the Lantana out front.
I think it was a ruby throated hummer but I'm no professional.
We've got a feeder (I got it for my wife, don't remember what I did that I felt that guilty). I think it might have been a birthday gift but we haven't put it out yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 May 04 - 01:30 PM

I bet Bob thought he'd killed off this thread with those goofy girlfriend remarks. Not so!

I have been keeping an eye on the level of the water in my feeder, and it hasn't dropped at all so I'm assuming the hummers haven't noticed it yet. In the event that it takes them a little while, I'll ask this question. How long should I leave that water out there before I change it? And if I make extra and keep it in the fridge (having boiled it for a little while, as suggested above) is it healthy for the birds to fill the feeder from the fridge or should it be newly cooked sugar water each time?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Deckman
Date: 12 May 04 - 07:37 PM

I just re-read my last posting, and I'm so ashamed!!! But, and I can't help it ... all your comments ALSO reminded me of another girlfriend I had in college! Her name was "Jamie." And she was simply womderful. And, just as your posts suggest, I could always attract her with anything red: Merlot, Cabernet, Dago red, whatever. But, that's very understandable as she came from Canada. And she loved anything sweet. I think I'll try to save what little honor I have left and close for now.

Question: If I loose my mudcat membership, will I ever get a refund on my un-used hours? Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Deckman
Date: 12 May 04 - 06:29 PM

WOW!!!! All of your comments reminded me of a girlfriend I had in high school! True! (O.K. O.K. you don't have to yell at me. I'll just try to find my coat and sneak out the back door)! HER NAME WAS HAZEL!!! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Hollowfox
Date: 12 May 04 - 01:31 PM

I don't put in red dye, but I use three parts water instead of four. I get lots of hummies. Perhaps they like the cuisine.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Kim C
Date: 12 May 04 - 09:44 AM

I saw the first one today! He was resting on the fence by the feeder.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST,LadyJean
Date: 12 May 04 - 08:33 AM

Maybe it has stripes in ultra-violet? Seriiously - they have done studies using apparently white or colourless targets that in the ultra-violet range are either bright or have attracting patterns.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: LadyJean
Date: 12 May 04 - 12:40 AM

I have seen a hummingbird fly up and intorduce himself to my friend Marion's magenta sweatshirt. It had no stripes. So, I think it was the color.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Joybell
Date: 11 May 04 - 07:45 PM

Our nectar-rich native flowers attract small mammals as well as honeyeater birds. Honey Possums and native mice and rats small enough to climb the flower-stems swing about sucking nectar. Here we have Kootas (Aboriginal name for the Native Swamp Rat), Ringtail Possums and Fat-Tailed Dunnarts. Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 11 May 04 - 10:38 AM

intersting bit of info I just found:

Another way to get hummingbirds' attention is to festoon (be tasteful, now!) your feeder with red or orange surveyor's tape, available in hardware stores. It is thought that hummers are sensitive to ultraviolet light, which these fluorescent tapes reflect in abundance.

Regardless, if you hang a feeder, sooner or later a hummingbird will come to investigate; it has been conjectured that, in a given year, not a square meter of the U.S. or southern Canada goes unchecked by hummers in their relentless quest for food.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 11 May 04 - 10:34 AM

if I remember correctly it isn't actually the red coulour that attracts the hummingbirs - but actually markings on the flowers that are visible to the hummers but not to humans - I think visible under ultra-violet but not sure.

or was that bees?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: EBarnacle
Date: 11 May 04 - 10:30 AM

Unfortunately, here in the tall concrete, if I were to put out a sugar mixture, the Flies would get the mix. The hummers don't come to this neighborhood, although they do go to Gateway National Park, a few miles away.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 May 04 - 10:24 AM

My one hummingbird feeder is attached by suction cup to my kitchen window over the sink. Yesterday I bought a geranium in a pot to put on the windowsill in hopes that the bright red color would attract the hummies!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 04 - 01:40 AM

I put my feeder out but haven't had much leisure to keep an eye on it. I don't have flowers (yet) in back where I placed it, another drawback (no place to hang it out front).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Raptor
Date: 11 May 04 - 12:00 AM

I had my first Migrant Female today!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Kim C
Date: 10 May 04 - 10:36 AM

Got the feeder out! Haven't seen any birdies yet though.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: GUEST
Date: 10 May 04 - 06:55 AM

Where's El Ted when you need him?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Hrothgar
Date: 10 May 04 - 06:19 AM

Not much left after you pluck and gut 'em.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: pdq
Date: 09 May 04 - 09:14 PM

I recall sitting outside a small motel in rural Arizona, probably near Wickenburg, many years ago. Some of the other guests and I were admiring the several species of hummingbirds tending the flowers. One oldtimer spoke up, saying that we ain't seen nothing yet. Seems there was a hummer that was not only larger but faster than any other known. Found right there in Arizona. Trouble is, it's so fast no one can see it. 100 miles an hour, maybe 200 miles an hour, no one knows because you can't see 'em. The oldtimer said he had secured the only known specimen. Yep, the normally sure-flying bird had made a bad turn. There he was, beak embedded 3 inches into the trunk of a ironwood tree!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: artbrooks
Date: 09 May 04 - 08:35 PM

The hummers have been back here for about 3 weeks now, and I just got my feeder out. I'm afraid I may have missed them...I had 2 pair all last summer, but they have probably found someplace else to hang out this year!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 May 04 - 08:28 PM

Our sphinx moths come out just at dusk, and hover in the salvia and other red and pink flowers with tubular corollas. They dart their long proboscis into each flower. They even have eyespots on the sides of their heads and will fool the casual viewer. But they are moths, and they're quite amazing.

I've seen them in the Sonoran desert out during the cool days of spring.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Joybell
Date: 09 May 04 - 07:24 PM

Thanks open mike, I'll spend some time at that site. I fell in love with the American desert. The mountains are wonderful too, of course. We have moths of the same family as the Sphinx ones but their noses aren't so long. Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: open mike
Date: 09 May 04 - 02:52 AM

those moths are Sphinx moths a.k.a humming bird moths..
they are nocturnal and like nicotinia and other nocturnal flowers.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/jan/papr/sphinx.html

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: LadyJean
Date: 08 May 04 - 11:41 PM

Why do hummingbirds hum?

Because they can't go to mudcat and get the lyrics.

Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: LadyJean
Date: 08 May 04 - 11:40 PM

Wear red or bright pink, and the hummingbirds will come up and say hi. The Detroit zoo has a hummingbird and butterfly garden. When I visited my friend Karen in Detroit, we went to see them. They hovered very close indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Mudlark
Date: 08 May 04 - 08:45 PM

I have hummers at my feeders, also orioles. Don't mind sharing nectar with them but they are big and they don't hover. In consequence they try to cling to the feeder, sending it swinging, and hummer juice spraying everywhere. I just refill often, and move often to outwit the ants that also love to feed on this stuff. The orioles are just passing thru...who am I to refuse them a little sugar water?

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Joybell
Date: 08 May 04 - 08:33 PM

We have Honeyeaters here too. I've seen them hover like yours at times but that's not their usual way. Our biggest ones - Red wattle birds are falling about in our Eucalypts at the moment. There's always a type of Gum tree flowering. These are big bossy birds that sound as though they are coughing. Little New Holland Honeyeaters are more furtive. They hide in the Banksia bushes pretending to be flower cones.
I remember visiting New Mexico and seeing big moths that looked just like Humming birds. Amazing creatures. Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Joybell
Date: 08 May 04 - 08:23 PM

Allison, Bleach should work fine, the mild kind used for babies' bottles would do. "Milton" or one of those. Great to meet you over humming birds and Spring sunshine. Love Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 May 04 - 08:06 PM

How? Mine would melt in boiling water!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Raptor
Date: 08 May 04 - 07:56 PM

Yep!

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: 42
Date: 08 May 04 - 10:10 AM

i have a couple of feeders in the garage. should I sterilize them before hanging?
j

Subject: RE: BS: Hummingbirds
From: Bobert
Date: 08 May 04 - 08:29 AM

They arrived this past Tuesday evening and went right to where the feeder usually hangs and werte righteously indignant that it wasn't waitin' on 'um... So I had it up the next morning but haven't seen them at it but somethin' has brought the level down by about 1/2 inch since then...

Bobert