BS: I just LOVE hummers!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 08 Sep 15 - 05:15 AM

This will give my friend gnu plenty to read:

Hummingbirds- Articles, photos, and studies

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 19 Aug 15 - 12:29 PM

I had something similar happen to me. I was taking a picture of an iris in Louisiana when a hummingbird flew into view. I couldn't react fast enough to get the picture, either.

Another time, I was sitting on a sandy beach in the Grand Canyon, wearing a floppy hat with flowers printed in it, when a hummingbird flew up to me to check out the flowers. I didn't see the bird, but I certainly heard its wings, and I saw its shadow on the sand. In a few seconds, it was gone.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: EBarnacle
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 12:56 PM

More than 20 years ago my now ex-spouse and I were getting married at Sandy Hook, NJ.
We were on the beach getting pix taken when a ruby throat flew into her bouquet. Yes the flowers were red.
Needless to say, the photographer missed it.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 10:17 AM

Thanks, maeve. Nice pics, rags.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 10:07 AM

I was picking tomatoes when something whizzed by my head. I followed its path, and it turned out to be a hummingbird, a young one with gray and green feathers with no throat patch. It perched on the neighbor's clothesline and could hardly be told from the clothespins.

From the tree behind me came a series of sharp cheeps, and I think that was the parent, warning the little one to be careful, because humans can be dangerous. I stood without moving, and got a good look at the young one.

A few years ago, we planted two vines of native honeysuckle on a fence, and I believe the hummingbirds were attracted by it. The fence - stupid thing - was a neighbor's idea, and the purpose of the honeysuckle was to obscure it as well as to feed the wildlife.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: ragdall
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 01:55 AM

I love hummers too, gnu.
We're just back after being away for a week and sadly, the two feeders I left out for them are still almost full. I'm afraid that the hummers are leaving us already.

A few photos from the end of June:
http://cupofkindness.proboards.com/post/3617

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE Hummers!
From: GUEST,Arnold Schwarzenegger
Date: 17 Aug 15 - 09:07 PM

I just love Hummers, too. I can run down your hummers with my Hummer.

Sincerfully,

The Governator

(as transcribed by some guy in Applegate, California)

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Janie
Date: 17 Aug 15 - 08:48 PM

Finally have hummers to watch here, after 7-8 years. I got excited early in the season and put out a feeder but had no takers. Also not much planted to draw them. 2 weeks ago noticed a couple of of them trying to find nectar (ha!) among the drying hydrangea blooms, and checking out the spot where the feed hung early in the season (had left the red hook from which it had been suspended.)

Rewarded! See a few every morning before work and in the evening after work since I put the feeder back up. Need to figure out a place to hang it nearer to where I sit so I can watch more closely.

Thanks for resurrecting this thread, maeve!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 17 Aug 15 - 07:10 PM

Refresssssh for gnu and hummmmmmmers

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 03:10 AM

I got my 1st hummer in High School. Coming from the inner city I had never seen one or knew what one was until a girl friend of mine from High School give me one.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 12:45 PM

Excellent stuff, m. And, there are links on the links that link to other excellent links.

I'm hungry.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 10:35 AM

For those among us who enjoy good poetry as much as we do the sight of a hummingbird:


Hummingbird Poetry

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 10:05 AM

I am not familiar with the term "lek" so I looked a bit further and found this:

"The term derives from the Swedish lek, a noun which typically denotes pleasurable and less rule-bound games and activities ("play", as by children). Specifically, the etymology of the word "lek" is from 1871 and means to engage in courtship displays (of certain animals); probably from the Swedish leka "to play".[3]"


Wikipedia reference

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 09:57 AM

"In some hummingbirds--mostly species that are south of the border--the males gather in communities, which are called leks. Then they all sing together to try to entice females to come into the neighborhood for mating."

This intriguing comment was found:

Here...

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 04:55 AM

Good morning hummmmmmmingbird watchers!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:50 PM

Yeeeese Maeve... plaaaaaay me a hummingbird song!... please... as I asked in the first post. Or any kinda bird... or cat or... just whatever... as long as it's not weening. I cannot read another post about death and destruction and debautchery. I don't even care if I spelled that incorrectly... please post your song...

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:40 PM

kat... I got a soft spot in my heart for birds AND folkies like Valdy... especially when... not only are his tunes great, but, I saw him up close once... and I was mezzzzzerimized by his guitar playing.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:34 PM

gnu- You already know I can't follow that link with this dear old machine, but thanks for it anyway. I always appreciate links to good information.

Now let's keep this lovely thread hummmmmmmmming along!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:15 PM

gnu, thanks for the link! That led me to Valdy's site as well as Corey Heuvel's...listening to a 2 CD set of Valdy at CDBaby - it's only $12.97 for the set! Good stuff. I may have to order it. I like what I hear of Corey, too!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 05:21 PM

Ahhh... two PM's that fast? Sorry... I just like birds. Why can't this thread be about other birds too? A good story, or tune, is good to share.... no?

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 05:09 PM

Yeah, I am a slut... but, ya gotta play the whole thing...

The Blue Heron is New Brunswick's Official Bird. It's magnificent!.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 02:47 PM

Wow!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 02:32 PM

Such a thing to see! Thank you, heric!

I can imagine a new saying emerging from your observation:

"Silver as a hummingbird's tongue!"

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 02:13 PM

Just a moment ago I saw something I had never seen. Hummer sat on a branch about three to four feet away from me, and with the sun positioned just so, he stuck his tongue out twice. It was as long as his beak, and shone silver - It looked like a spider's thread glistening in the bright light.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Raptor
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:26 AM

It's good to see everyone enjoying birds.

Great Thread.

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 07:13 AM

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 05:32 AM

Maeve... "Dipping and rising in air he is writing."

Oh my... oh my! Wonderful! Beautiful!

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 12:07 AM

Okay, now I've read the whole thread. Great one, gnu!

My Uncle Arthur used to have about twenty feeders hanging from the eaves of his porch/walkway towards his front door. I swear generations of hummers would come back there every year to feed. They would land on his hat, his hands, shoulders, and arms, all the while their buddies would be feeding, buzzing, etc. It was like magic to visit him and just stand there to watch them all. He had dozens every day.

Years ago I had a very special female Siamese, Sasheen, who caught a ruby-throated hummingbird. She did not harm it, but brought it to me. I was privileged to hold it, cupped in my hands, while it recovered from the shock. I could feel its tiny, tiny heart beating a mile a minute, it seemed, until I opened my hands and it flew away. It was an incredible thing to have experienced.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 11:36 PM

Oh, maeve! That is stunningly beautiful!

I was thrilled to have one little hummingbird at some flowers on my front steps, today!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Beer
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 10:12 PM

What you hiding from us girl? That is beautiful.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 08:38 PM

Across the Miles

When dusk finally comes, I am weary.
Tired and stiff from bending, digging,
From hauling water and planting, weeding-
Too weary for tears but eyes filling,
Splashing the apricot rose anyway.
I listen for hummingbird wings.

In Oswego tea (red monarda,)
In blue anise hyssop and harebells, cranesbill,
In cardinal vine and milkweed, roses-
I sink to my knees in the twilight
Seeking some peace from the grinding of day.
I rest where the hummingbirds feed.

I hear the hum first then I see him;
Wings beating air so quickly, blurring,
Squeaking a challenge, demanding, warning-
A rubythroat shimmers before me.
Dipping and rising in air he is writing.
I'm watching a hummingbird dance.

And just as the glow of the evening
Slides down the trunks of the pine trees, fading,
Just as the hummingbird finishes feeding,
I think of a friend who loves hummers.
I sing in the peace of the ending of day,
Rejoicing for hummingbird wings.

copyright maeve in Maine August 8, 2008 all rights reserved

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:54 PM

Well, I can't get my Sony Camcorder to talk to my PC, so, here's what I am talkin about... on yer U toob.

Lots a videos ta give ya an idea.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 01:31 PM

Ya get lost or sommat?

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:52 PM

gnu- I want to post a hummer story or two in the morning, so I'll send your thread flying up where we can find it.
                                          
Hummmmm         O> @>-\--\
                           \/x\/                                    
                            ^


Let's see if this works...

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: MaineDog
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 06:43 PM

I used to love 'em too, until gas went to $4.20 per gallon!!
MD :)

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 05:53 PM

Great new stories, gnu. I check this thread daily. Three times, today.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:48 PM

About ten years ago, when I lived at another house, with a couple of cats and the woman they owned, the younger cat, Cassie, discovered that the lilac out back contained a Hummer nest. She went after them. Bad move.

I was reading a newspaper and I heard Cassie yowling. I knew that yowl and I knew she was in trouble. I sprang to the deck and saw her hugging grass under the lilac. And, I saw the beasts attacking her. They were savage and viciously unrelenting! Two of them, flying in alternating figure 8 patterns... as one would attract Cassie to it's flight, the other would swoop in and NAIL her in the back of the head with it's Beak Of Death.

I steeled myself and entered the bloody fray. I deftly scooped up the twelve pound cat and brought her in the house, whereupon, I washed the blood from the back of her head and applied some HP to make sure the wounds did not get infected. When I put her on the kitchen floor and opened the back door, she went down to the basement instead. Good move.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:32 PM

Well, they are loaded for bear here! Six of them were all around me late this morning. So close at times, I couldn't get the camcorder on them. At one point, sitting in my chair whistling The Croppy Boy, one large male zipped straight at me and hovered about 1m from my face. I finished whistling the verse, he chirped and went to the first hanging basket of mini-petunias and proceeded to feed for a few miutes, just over 2m from me, with his back to me most of the time. Now, that is trust.

I can't help but think that there is not much time left to enjoy them. The males will begin to leave around the full moon and the females and young will do the same two to three weeks later. >:-(

Add to that the Bald Eagle I watched at the same time, rising on the thermals, as if practising for two moons from now. Unless they too will begin south in about ten days on the next moon? And, we had Blackbirds here a week ago. And, about then, we had a NW wind. The first one in about six weeks. Less than two weeks ago, we had 48H (Humidex temperature) and yesterday, I almost fired up the wood stove.... 17C, wet and windy... from the NW.

I predict an early fall here... long, cool and dry. At least, that is what I ordered.

Of course, I put in a request that the hummers would stay a bit longer, but....

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 01:09 AM

Hummingbirds represent the thing we should speak for. After all, they do a third-part harmony on the fifth. S'way I sing it, anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 01:01 AM

Somewhere on a long-ago thread I mentioned a friend who hosted lots of hummers. She lined up several feeders along the roofline of her porch so she could watch them from her kitchen window all day long.

Then she strung two clotheslines close to the feeders; sometimes there were six hummers at a time perched and resting. When she hung the lines I didn't think it would work- until then I had never seen any hummer just sitting around.

Hummingbirds, in actuality, are feisty little critters; they defend their territory fiercely. I've never seen any of them succeed in keeping a territory to themselves, of course, but they do keep trying. At times one feels like breaking up the fights, yelling Can't we all just get along?

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Bee
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 07:08 PM

Gnu, I saw a television bit on the Hummingbird Cafe - it looked like a beautiful little spot, and there were hummers everywhere, and tons of flowers.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: skarpi
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 05:36 PM

jabb me too they are great jeeps :>)

hee hee

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 05:14 PM

There is a lady not too far from here that has an amazing hummer population. Even though it has been "profiled" in the newspaper, the location of her house has been kept rather secret because she doesn't appreciate the gawkers. She has an "old" house near "the marsh", and the house has many windows (22). She has feeders all over the place and she has the suction cup type feeders on every window.

Now, this is no lie... she gets over 200 hummers on her property some days... at the same time.

Of course, she knows a trick. Don't ask. She told me not to tell.

And, there is The Hummingbird Café in Alma, NB. They have hummer feeders on their dining room windows. Amazing to watch, while you have dessert... Hummingbird Pie... I am sure it's just frozen cheesecake from a grocery. But, if you ask the waitrees, she will tell you it's awful having to pluck them.... takes hours to make a pie.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 04:16 PM

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

No hummingbirds here in London, except stuffed and mounted in a glass case in the British Museum.... sob.

Thanks for the stories - one day I WILL get out to the States and go hummer watching.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Becca72
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:31 PM

My sister and I sat on her deck not 2 weeks ago and watched a hummingbird feed from her butterfly bush. A very cool thing to watch, that's for sure!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: gnu
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 02:10 PM

Beer.... that's what I mean by ant dams for the damn ants. Check out the link in my post above at above at Date: 03 Aug 08 - 09:36 AM. I suspect that is the one(s) you have as she imports them into La Belle Province not that far from you.

Well, I gave up on the threaded rod because the only way I know to be sure to find it is what I did yesterday. I got coat hangers ready, drilled holes in the SS fruit cups, inserted the hangers, bent the hangers, clamped them in bench vices so the cups were juuuust right, and filled the bottom thirds of the cups with bathtub caulking. When the caulking gels, I will have feeder hangers with ant dams in them. And, when I am filling the dams with water, I will remember where the threaded rod is.

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Beer
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:44 AM

Usually get a pair or two each year. Problems with ants but bought a small up side down umbrella that attach to the feeder. The only thing is you have to make sure it is topped up with water. Works great.

Great thread and thanks Gnu.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: maeve
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 10:00 PM

Hehehe. Nice save there, Bee. Your risk of risque-osity resulted in rescue of a real-life ruby.

I just love this thread!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Bee
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:52 PM

What lovely stories - and a great starting post, gnu.

We have a lot of hummers around here. They are presently enjoying my Phlox, and they were here very early in summer for my columbine flowers.

I've a risque rescue story. I sometimes work for a friend whose stained glass business is a bit more successful than mine. Several years ago, I was working in his over-the-garage rural studio alone when a hummingbird flew in and couldn't seem to find her way out. Finally, despite my having every window open, she got tired and lit down, but when I tried to approach, she'd exhaust herself more trying to get away. I was going to have to catch her, and looked for something soft, which is kinda rare in a glass studio.

Now, it was really hot working up there with the kiln going, and I'd already removed the only article of clothing I could, and that article was not gonna do the trick. So I looked out the window, made sure no one was around, whipped off my T-shirt, gently collected Ms. Hum in it, and deposited her outside where she could recover safely in a nice bit of flowering shrubbery. And dashed back in before the next car came along!

Subject: RE: BS: I just LOVE hummers!
From: Escapee
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:12 PM

My eldest (30 tomorrow!) worked in a supermarket flower shop some years ago. A hummingbird got into the store and was trying to avoid a bagboy who took it for a moth and was trying to kill it. My daughter, who was raised to know better, held up a bouquet of bright red flowers and led it out the front door.
SKP