Author: Hummingbird

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Hummingbirds

Why Fall Hummingbird Watching Is Better

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Yes, I know that hummingbird migration occurs in both the spring and fall each year, but I like many people believe that some of the best hummingbird watching can occur during fall migration. Since the arrival of fall is not too far away, I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to watch the migrating hummingbirds. This post will explain the reasons why I believe that fall migration is a better opportunity for hummingbird watching.

Fall is a great time to attract hummingbirds. The first reason that I prefer the fall migration over spring migration is because the hummingbirds seem to pass through in more concentrated numbers. Also, during the fall, the hummingbirds will be taking their time in search of a good winter feeding territory. As a result, the hummingbirds are more likely to settle for a week or two at a feeding station. Please keep in mind that it is important that hummingbird feeders remain up even through late fall in order to help ensure that migrating birds can feed during their long migratory journey.

It would seem that where you live would largely determine whether or not you most prefer the spring or fall migration of the hummingbirds. I am just expressing my own opinion on why I enjoy the fall migration the best. What is your opinion and why? Let me hear what it is you have to say on the subject.

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Dear Mom Hummingbirds

About Hummingbird Territories

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Today’s post is one which makes me think of my mom, because she would have enjoyed discovering that male and female hummingbirds maintain individual territories, how they select them and so much more. I cannot help but believe that you will also enjoy making these discoveries yourself as well.

Male and females do not live together. The male and female will only be together during the actual act of mating. The male and female each have their own territory or area where they live and will therefore defend. In this post you will learn how hummingbirds select their territory and more.

A hummingbird will select their territory based on the abundance of food, nectar, and water. These things must be available to help ensure the hummingbirds survival. The male hummingbirds’ territory is approximately ¼ an acre in size. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any specifics on the size of the female’s territory. The territory of the female is the area where the nesting site is built and therefore the female will fiercely defend it.

The Female hummingbird will check the strength of a prospective nest site by clinging to it or repeatedly landing on it. It is only after the site passes this test that the female will begin to construct the nest. The nest will be built on the underside of a palm leaf, on the side of a vertical plant stem, on a small branch, on top of a cactus or many other different locations are used and different species have different preferences. Hummingbirds usually build on branches, but the hermit hummingbirds build nests that hang from vegetation or from a vertical plant stem, root, or rock.

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Hummingbird Food Hummingbirds

The Starts and Stops of Hummingbird Feeding

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The hummingbird seems to eat almost constantly throughout the day, but there is a time of day when this begins and ends each day. The hummingbird will feed between 6-8 times per hour, but each meal only last approximately 30-60 seconds in length. Their first meal of the day takes place about ½ hour before sunrise and their last takes place about ½ hour after dark. Within the first few hours of being awake, the hummingbird will have already consumed some 25% of its daily food intake. This is necessary because the hummingbird will be going from the inactive state of torpor, which is very similar to hibernation, to being very active.

If you want to be of help to the hummingbirds, it is important to make sure your feeders remain full with nectar during these times of day. By doing so, you may play an active role in helping to ensure the survival of the hummingbird.

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Hummingbird Feeders Hummingbird Videos

How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder

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Who says that a hummingbird feeder needs to be fancy and or expensive to effectively attract hummingbirds? It does not. This video tells you the exact materials you will need to construct this homemade feeder as well as gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make your own homemade hummingbird feeder. Why not give it a try?

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Dear Mom Hummingbirds

Where Are Hummingbirds Not Found and More?

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I was recently discussing the subject of hummingbirds with a friend and during our conversation I was explaining about the different places in the world where no hummingbirds are found. My friend was surprised by this information and this got me to thinking that you might be as well. This is the kind of information that I know my mom would have enjoyed discovering, so I cannot help but think of her as I write this post.

No hummingbird species are found in Hawaii. Also, you will not find any hummingbirds in Africa, Asia, Europe or Australia. As a person who so enjoys and is fascinated by hummingbirds, I wish these amazing creatures were found all over the world, but if they are not found where you live you will have to travel to be able to witness and experience these astonishing creatures.

Since you now know where hummingbirds are not found, you may be wondering where these birds can be found. Well, I have the answer for you. The simple answer is that hummingbirds are found only in the Americas. According to the website About.com, hummingbirds are found in the New world. The range of the hummingbird covers from Alaska to the southern tip of South America and includes the islands of the Caribbean. The vast majority of the 340 or so known species of hummingbirds are found Columbia, Brazil and Ecuador.

According to hummingbird expert Sheri L. Williamson, there are some 17 different species of hummingbirds which are found in the United States. This represents only 5 percent of the world’s hummingbird species. While this is only a small percentage of the world’s total number of hummingbird species, I myself am thrilled that we are fortunate enough to get to enjoy these amazing birds.

Well, I hope that you have enjoyed discovering some fascinating information about where it is that hummingbirds are not found and where these birds are indeed found. So as you can see, not everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy these birds. Please take advantage of every opportunity you have to watch and enjoy these fascinating birds.