Categories
Hummingbirds

Female Rufous Hummingbird Sets Record

A female Rufous Hummingbird recently set a record for the longest distance between banding and recapture of any species of hummingbird. The bird traveled 3,500 miles from Tallahassee, Florida to Alaska’s Prince William Sound. The bird was banded in Florida by Fred Dietrich and then recaptured in Alaska by Kate McLaughlin.

This information was in published in a recent issue of National Wildlife Magazine, page 18, and sent to me by my brother-in-law, Paul. I cannot give the exact date of the issue because all I was sent was the clip about this out of the magazine. I just thought that you might find the above information to be interesting like I myself did.

Categories
Hummingbird Food

Scarlet Sage Attracts Hummingbirds

The plant Scarlet sage also known is scarlet salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds, so why not think of including it in your garden as another way to draw the hummingbirds to your yard? I’m certain that you and the hummingbirds will be glad that you did so. This post will provide you with some information about this plant.

If you live in a warmer climate then Scarlet sage or scarlet salvia will grow as a perennial, but it will grow as an annual if the winter temperatures where you live remain below freezing for a few hours. Scarlet sage will bloom from early summer until the first frost. This plant is a favorite of the eastern hummingbird because it has bright red tubular flowers.

You will want to check with your local plant nursery or garden center to help determine if this plant would be suitable for your garden.

Categories
Hummingbirds

Interesting Hummingbird Flight Facts

It is a common misconception that hummingbirds actually fly faster then many others species of birds. The reason for this mistaken believe is probably due to the small size of the hummingbird and the fact that this small size makes the bird hard to see while it is in flight and this gives the illusion of greater speed then occurs in actuality. The peregrine falcon is the fastest flying bird, which can reach speeds of 175 mph. Also, the Duck Hawk was measured at speeds of between 160-180 mph. By comparison, hummingbird flight is actually quite slow because their normal top flight speed is between 25-30 mph, but it can reach much higher during a courtship display.

It only takes 1/500th of a second for a hummingbird to complete a wing beat cycle.

Hummingbird flight will occur in only three of these cycles.

Categories
Hummingbird Feeders

Inverted Vs. Saucer Hummingbird Feeders

There are two basic types of hummingbird feeders. The two possible choices are the bottle or inverted feeder and the saucer feeder. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you will want to consider before purchasing a hummingbird feeder. There is no such thing as a right or wrong choice in this matter, only your need to decide what will be the choice that will best meet your personal needs.

Considerations for the bottle or inverted feeder…

• It is easier to check the nectar levels of this type of hummingbird feeder.
• This type of hummingbird feeder typically has a greater nectar capacity.
• This feeder is more prone to leakage and more likely to attract ants and other insects.
• The inverted feeder is often more difficult to clean and fill.

Considerations of the saucer feeder…

• Saucer feeders are far easier to fill, clean and assemble.
• This type of feeder can be mounted on poles or railings.
• The smaller capacity nectar reservoir requires it be refilled more frequently.
• The saucer feeder may be less visible and therefore harder for the hummingbirds to locate.

The use of a hummingbird feeder is one of the most common ways people use to try and attract hummingbirds to their yards. This can be a very effective method to use but it also requires some effort and work by the owner. When trying to select the type of feeder that is best for your needs, please keep the above considerations in mind.

Categories
Hummingbird Videos

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Landscape

In this video, Skip Richter shares tips on how to attract hummingbirds to your landscape with the use of many types of red tubular flowers and also a hummingbird feeder. Give these tips a try and you will not only help to successfully beautify your landscape but you will make the hummingbirds happy because you are providing an additional food source.