Month: September 2009

Categories
Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird Feeders Can Be Decorative

My mom was always looking for various ways to beautify the yard while also helping to attract many more hummingbirds.  She would use a wide variety of plants and hummingbird feeders.  While many of the hummingbird feeders she had were the traditional glass ones ones with red on them, the feeder you select does not have to be red.  It is a well known fact that red will capture the attention of the hummingbirds, but once they discover your feeder they will visit your feeder regardless of what color the feeder turns out to be.

There are many decorative feeders on the market today.  I have seen some with elaborate designs on them, some that are made of plastic, colored glass, brass and even wooden hummingbird feeders.  My mom had many traditional glass hummingbird feeders that had red on them, but one of the last ones she ever received had three blue glass bulbs and you could fill each of them with nectar.  The hummingbirds seemed to like the blue feeder just as much as any of the others in our yard. 

Whenever I look at hummingbird feeders myself, I am personally more drawn to the more decorative ones because they are just so beautiful and it makes me think that it is my way of trying to help beautify the area in which it will hang.  It also makes me think of my mom and wish that I could purchase a particularly beautiful one just for her because she would admire its sheer beauty and in some small way I would be doing my part to attract the birds that we both enjoy.

My point is this, if you find a really pretty but more decorative looking hummingbird feeder that you like do not let the fact that it has a more decorative or elaborate appearance discourage you from purchasing it.  You will appreciate its beauty and it can also enhance the beauty of your yard, but you will still attract the hummingbirds that you enjoy so much.  The hummingbirds will eventually find it, especially if you have it hanging near some flowers or plants that they like or if they are aware that you have provided food for them before. 

Thanks mom for giving me such a love of hummingbirds.  It is just one of the many ways that I remain so connected to you even now and I know that this will never change.

Categories
Hummingbird Food

Facts About Hummingbird Nectar

Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as nectar that is not sweet enough for a hummingbird?  Just how sweet does a hummingbird want their nectar to be?  Which is sweeter hummingbird nectar or Coca Cola?  If the answers to any if these questions interest you, then this post is just what your looking for.

This post also made me think of my mom because she was always interested in discovering some new and unusual bits of trivia and she was a big hummingbird enthusiast.   

  • A hummingbird will not take the nectar from a flower if it is less then 12% sweetness.
  • The exact amount of sweetness the nectar will have depends on both the type of flower it is and how long the nectar has been allowed to accumulate within the flower.
  • Hummingbird nectar is sweeter then Coca Cola!  Isn’t that amazing?  I certainly never heard that one before.   Talk about hummingbirds experiencing the ultimate sugar high except with their incredible metabolism that doesn’t get the chance to occur.
  • The average sugar concentration of the favorite flowers that hummingbirds like frequent is between 20-25% on average.
Categories
Hummingbird Pictures Hummingbird Videos

Hummingbirds by Larry Shields

This video consist of some absolutely beautiful and amazing photos of hummingbirds which were taken in Huntington Lake, CA.  by Larry Shields.  It is my hope that you will enjoy the opportunity to view these amazing birds in greater detail then you may have ever seen in nature before.

On a personal note, I wish my mom were still alive today so she could have the opportunity to view this video.  She would have absolutely loved it for all its vivid imagery and  sheer beauty.

Categories
Hummingbirds

What is a Hybrid Species of Hummingbird?

My boyfriend recently asked me if hummingbirds only breed within their own species.  At the time of his question, I told him that I wasn’t certain of my answer and would have to do some research in order to accurately answer his question.  This is what has prompted me to write this post and the answer may surprise you as it did me.

It is in fact possible for various species of hummingbirds to breed together and create hybrid species.  Some of the species that can come together to do this include the following:  Anna’s, Black-chinned, Allen’s, Costa’s, Rufous, Calliope and Broad-tailed hummingbirds.  This is one fact that complicates the already difficult task of identifying hummingbirds and makes it even more challenging.

Categories
Hummingbirds

Do Hummingbirds Have Toes?

Just for the record, hummingbirds do indeed have feet. Hummingbirds do not walk,  but they hop to move even very short distances.  This will likely surprise you, but hummingbirds actually spend most of their time perching.  The hummingbird will use its feet to help it scratch and to perch.

You many be wondering if hummingbirds actually have toes on their feet.  This isn’t something that most people would know the answer to unless they have had the opportunity to view a hummingbird at very close range.  Yes, indeed they do.  In fact, the hummingbird has a total of four toes on each foot ; three of which are located a the front of the foot and one at the back of the foot called the hallux.  The hallux can be thought of as being similar to a human thumb.  It helps the hummingbird be able to grip onto a tree branch or a wire.