Do hummingbirds migrate early? I haven't seen any at my feeder in a week or so. Would they ditch me just b/c one week I was a little negligent with the sugar water?
I haven't seen any in a week or so, either. A lot of people on the Carolina Birds list are reporting that theirs seem to have left, too. Mid October seems to be about the right time around here. I will keep my hummingbird feeders filled with fresh nectar for another week or so, just in case of any strays.
I can't remember when we usually get our first ones in the spring, March or April I guess. You can see a straggler almost any time, but they are rare in the winter. You can make your own nectar, one part granulated white sugar to 4 parts water. Just bring it to a boil, let it cool, and fill your feeder. No need to put in food coloring, just make sure there is some red on the feeder and they will find it.
No kidding about them finding the red! The first one I ever saw saw me first. Dang thing buzzed a few inches from my face - I was wearing a red t-shirt. I thought a gimongus mama bee had done got me! :shock: :lol:
They are great to watch. I have mine hanging from the ceiling of our porch right by the window and I have wasted a great deal of time staring out.
yeah, they'll come right up to you. i've had them try to hit the feeder while i was still trying to hang it back up. and you can basically just stand there right next to the feeder. if you stay still, they'll come right up mine seem to be gone. it gets below 60 at night and they haul it south they'll be back in probably early april
My grandmother puts out a bunch of feeders in VA, those little guys don't stay shy long, they will buzz your head to get to the feeders! Like nsane says, the first time you think you are being attacked by a giant bee! :lol: :lol: :lol: They squabble amongst themselves for the best feeders too, very entertaining to watch.
Take your feeders down this time of year. Keeping them up will actually cause some young birds to stay as long as there is food. Not good.
I agree. Don't put a feeder up until the frost has gone and take your feeders down when it starts getting cold at night. You can cause harm to them if you continue to feed them. They need to migrate south. Grace
Don't have any advice or real contribution, just a story. We usually get at least one a year that gets "stuck" in the garage for some reason. They don't seem to be able to find their way out, and I have actually seen one sitting still panting. I was so worried that the little guy was going to keel over! I put a bright yellow telescoping dustmop up in the air and he flew to it. I slowly took it outside and he flew away. Just seemed really cool that he trusted me.
Don't they(whoever "they" are) say it is supposed to be a deceased relative trying to visit you when you have those strange bird experiences?
I'm sure the bulk of this info on this site is old news to you birdie people.. :lol: but I found it interesting... http://www.birdchat.com/faqs.htm
