Month: October 2009

Categories
Dear Mom

Are There Hummingbirds in Cuba?

Yes, surprisingly Cuba does have hummingbirds.  Cuba is not a place that I would have imagined having hummingbirds. Why exactly this is I can’t explain,but it just never occurred to me that hummingbirds would be found there.  There are three species which are found there.  They are the following: Cuban Emerald Hummingbird, Bee Hummingbird,and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

The Bee Hummingbird is known as endemic, because it is a species of hummingbird which is restricted to a given area.  The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is considered to be a rare or accidental occurrence in Cuba.

I hope you enjoy this information.  It makes me think of my mom because, like me, she would have been surprised to learn that there are indeed hummingbirds found in Cuba.

Categories
Hummingbird Food

Design Keys for a Hummingbird Garden

Do you enjoy gardening and birdwatching?  If so, why not combine these two interest or hobbies in an effort to help you be more effective at attracting the hummingbirds to your yard.  With this in mind, set about creating a hummingbird garden in your yard.  Both you and the hummingbirds will be happy that you did so, because the yard will contain a wide variety of brightly colored flowers or pants that you will enjoy viewing and the hummingbird will then also have a natural source of nectar on which to feed.

You will want to create a hummingbird garden that contains the following elements.  Having these things will help ensure that your garden will be a success with the hummingbirds.  The elements are the following:

  • Diversity:  You want the plants to have a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, etc.
  • Attractiveness of the foliage
  • Easy to plant and maintain : This will make you want do the necessary work that the garden will require to maintain over time. 
  • Plants that bloom at different times:  This will ensure that there will be something on which for the birds to feed.
  • Offer a wide variety of color choices within the various plant species you select.
  • The bloom should have a showiness about it, as this will help capture the hummingbirds attention.

Doing the things listed above will help ensure that your hummingbird garden is a huge hit with the hummingbirds and it will also be the envy of your neighbors.  So once you have finished creating the hummingbird garden of your dreams, sit back and admire your hard work and be rewarded with so many hummingbirds who will also enjoy your efforts on their behalf.

Categories
Hummingbirds

Illnesses or Injuries of Hummingbirds

Just like humans, hummingbirds can have illesses or injures.  Have you ever stopped to consider what types of things these might be?  Well, this post will give you answer. 

  • Window strikes:  This can either stun or even kill the hummingbird.
  • Cat caught hummingbirds:  The cat is the number one predator of the hummingbird, and therfore this is quite common and can either result in the hummingbird being injurd or killed.
  • Sick hummingbirds:  Common hummingbird illnesses include fungal infections and the avian pox virus. 
  • Trapped hummingbird:  You will want to tire the hummingbird by keeping it flying as much as possible, because this eventually make it easier for you to catch the bird and then release it.  Be sure to feed the bird prior to releasing it or the bird may not have enough energy to search for food.  You do not want to release a trapped hummingbird at night.   Unfortunately, I can not offer a reason for this, but read it from several sources.  
Categories
Hummingbird Videos

Hummingbirds: What Countries Do Hummingbirds Live In?

If you have always wanted to discover exactly where hummingbirds can be found then you should watch this video.  You will also discover how many species of hummingbirds are found in Equador and more. 

Categories
Hummingbirds

What is Molting?

Molting is when hummingbirds go through a a normal cycle of coplete loss and replacement of all their feathers.  This process occurs in the spring.