NaturesHelicopter The Amazing Hummingbird

Will Unusually Cold March Delay Hummingbirds?

2010-03-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

Florida is having a crazy, unusually cold March that is lasing longer than most. I couldn't help wondering if it would affect the arrival of my Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

I put my feeders out the 15th of March since the earliest I had seen them was the 16th. I had some concerns about the temperature as we had experienced some frosty days. Another concern was the fact that the freeze had damaged my Shrimp plant that had previously been very popular with the arriving hummers. It had not recovered and had no blooms to invite the hummers so I had to rely on the feeder only.

It was not until March 23, 2010 that I spotted the first hummer at my back yard feeder. All I could see in the quick glance that I got was a little black head ( I thought!) on the back side of the feeder and then it was gone. I checked the feeders frequently all day and did not spot it again. Had I been wrong? It was the next day before I got a good look at a pretty little male Ruby-throated hummer feeding happily at the back yard feeder. It was two more days before I was able to identify a female Ruby-throat at the front yard feeder.

The two Ruby-throated hummingbirds have been infrequent visitors to the feeders and very difficult to spot but when they do show up they usually take long drinks so that, if I'm lucky, I get to enjoy them. I have yet to recognize any new hummers but am hopeful that with the warmer weather finally arriving other hummers will also.

This year has been an interesting time at my regular seed feeders. I have had several new birds visiting my feeders and one of particular interest because of it's color. Here is a picture that I was fortunate enough to catch as I have not seen this bird since. The females seem to visit the feeders often but not the male.

According to my birding resource this is a Painted Bunting. The female (not pictured) is a yellow-green color, very much like a common parakeet. It was quite a surprise to see such a colorful fellow as you can imagine!

Where Are The Hummers?

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

March 26, 2009

March 16th came and went with no sign of my anxiously awaited hummingbird sighting. I was disappointed but not surprised as I felt it was unusual that I had spotted them on the same date the last two years. Still I was very hopeful that it would be soon. It was not until today, March 26th, that the first male hummer was spotted at the Shrimp plant, busily visiting each flower. It was two more days before the first female was spotted but then my enjoyment was complete with two more females joining the group, as well as another male. Soon the hummers kept me busy replenishing the nectar and watching the antics.

They kept me entertained longer this year as they stayed until September 12th before they began their long journey south. I was beginning to wonder if a couple were going to winter over with me. They seem to be reluctant to leave, it's possible they were late births and needed a few more days to mature.

I have cleaned and put away my feeders until next year where I will begin to wish for them as March approaches and I look forward to recording their arrival.

2008 And They Are Back

2008-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

A new season and just like clockwork on March 16th, 2008 I saw my first male Ruby-throated Hummingbird flitting around the Shrimp plant in my front yard. He hovered and fed from several of the blossoms before darting away. I was amazed that the date was the same as last year. I had prepared my feeders the first of March and was ready to fill with nectar as soon as I saw the first bird. Needless to say I was excited to see how many more would arrive at my feeders.

Early Morning Hummers

2007-06-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

It's 7 AM here in Florida and I have just filled my backyard hummer feeder with fresh nectar. I had barely gotten in the back door before I had a visitor to the feeder. A little female (white tips on the outer tail feathers) darted in and took her place on the perch. She looked around as if she couldn't believe her luck, fresh food and no one chasing her away! She has made several thirst-quinching visits and so far, no one has challenged her.

I have noticed a slowing of visits from the female hummers and am seeing the males more often. I suspect the females are busy with nests and eggs. Hopefully I will see some young hummers as it gets later in the month. I don't have a big population of Ruby-throated hummers that visit my feeders. Usually I can identify two different males and 3 to 4 different females each year. So far this year I have only recognised one male and two females. I hope that number will improve soon.

I have added a new page to my website. It is on hummingbird migration patterns. You can view it at http://natureshelicopter.com/migration.html. As always I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on my site and any suggestions for more information.

kitilark

Hummingbird Feeder Care

2007-06-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get used to this blogging thing so please bear with me awhile.
Today I added an article to my website. It is about caring for your Hummingbird feeder, you can take a look at it here http://natureshelicopter.com/article1.html . I would appreciate any feedback and any suggestions about other subjects for my site.

Thanks,
kitilark
http://natureshelicopter.com

Hummingbirds Are Fascinating

2007-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this blog then you probably feel the same way. I have enjoyed the hummingbirds antics for some years now. Because they bring me so much joy I have finally decided to start a website to encourage others to invite these amazing hummingbirds into their yards and lives.

(http://natureshelicopter.com)

Since I realize that I am not the only one who loves to watch and feed the little bird I call 'Nature's Helicopter' I have begun this blog. I am looking forward to hearing others experiences with their hummingbirds.

Let me hear from you,
kitilark