Categories
Hummingbird Food

Not Only Red, Tubular Flowers Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds feed on all types and colors of flowers, not just red tubular ones. Many people mistakenly believe the common misconception that hummingbirds will feed only red tubular flowers. The purpose of this post will be to try and set the record straight regarding this issue.

When selecting a food source, the most important consideration to a hummingbird is the quantity and quality of the nectar source that is available. When selecting a particular flower, the hummingbird will select the flower with the highest nectar output and the richest concentration of sugars, regardless of the shape or color of the flower. Lastly, how the nectar taste is of far greater importance then the color of the flower.

Why not add a lot of color to your yard with a wide range of flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds? You will get the added benefit of having a colorful yard to look at and also increasing the likelihood of seeing the hummingbirds that you wish to attract to your yard.

Categories
Hummingbirds

Where is the Male Hummingbird After Mating?

After the male hummingbird has impregnated the female hummingbird his job is officially done. The male must stay out of sight and therefore has nothing more to do with the female or their young. Why is this? The answer is due to the fact that the bright, flashy colors on the male are a danger to both the female and the young because this could attract predators which would put all at risk.

It is for this reason that the female is responsible for building the nest, feeding and raising the young on her own. The female wants to try and ensure the best possible chance at survival for all.

Categories
Hummingbird Pictures

Broad-Billed Hummingbird Photo and Facts

A Broad Billed Hummingbird is sitting on a tree branch
A Broad Billed Hummingbird is sitting on a tree branch

This photo comes from the website freedigitalphotos.net and was taken by photographer Liz Noffsinger. I wish to acknowledge this and be sure to offer proper credit.

The Broad-Billed Hummingbird likes to sit on a high perch for longer periods of time as compared to other species of hummingbirds.

Agave, Ocotillo, Prickly Pear, and Penstemons are some of the favorite nectar producing plants of the Broad-Billed Hummingbird.

During courtship and aggressive encounters, the male Broad-billed Hummingbird will perform what is known as a pendulum display, starting by hovering about a foot from the female and then flying in repeated arcs, like a pendulum. This display will be followed by a high-pitched zinging sound. Other than this brief description, little additional information is believed to be known about this species maneuvers during courtship. This may be because this bird chooses not to preform such displays whenever humans are present or they choose secluded areas in which to preform their courtship displays.

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Hummingbird Food Hummingbird Videos

Food for Hummingbirds

In this video, Oklahoma Gardening’s Kim Rebek explains that hummingbird feeders can stay out in the landscape well into the fall to help hummingbirds get energy prior to their migration. In addition, you will discover some of the plants on which Oklahoma’s hummingbirds are known to feed.

Categories
Dear Mom

Memories of Mom and Hummingbirds

Dear Mom:

I miss you so very much and cannot believe that it has been four years since your death. On this anniversary date, I am feeling such a mix of emotions. I am sad because you no longer here with those who love you so very much and happy because in your lifetime you provided me with a great legacy of wonderful memories to carry with me throughout my life.

There is so much that I wish I could share with you and talk to you about, but your memory lives on and is ever present in my heart and this serves to inspire and provide a source of encouragement whenever I need it. All along life’s way, I just try to remember the life lessons you taught me and that seems to help me along the way.

There are so many things that remind me of you. Some big and others just everyday ordinary events, but nevertheless all of them treasured. The thing I remember most is your great love of family and how you so enjoyed the various family gatherings. I also remember the many wonderful meals you cooked for us, especially your tuna patties, your holiday meals and so many more. I also remember how you were always there for me, making sure my needs were met whenever necessary, you were my greatest cheerleader or defender. Thanks! As for the ordinary things, it is impossible for me to see beautiful flowers (especially yellow roses) and not think of you, as that was your favorite flower, but you really loved just about any flower. You always had the yard so full of bright, beautiful flowers that we always had the yard full of birds. I will forever associate hummingbirds with my memories of you, as you always had the yard so full of feeders and plants to attract the hummingbirds. There were so many times that we would sit on the back porch and watch the hummingbirds chases each other, put on their aerial displays or even almost fly into the kitchen window. What wonderful, amazing shows those were!

This blog was started in you honor as a way to keep your memory alive as well as share our common love of hummingbirds with others. I think of you so often as I am writing the various posts for the blog, because I feel certain that you would have enjoyed discovering all the various information about hummingbirds that can be found here. I hope that my efforts with the blog would have informed, enlightened and entertained you and that it will do so with all the others who visit the blog.

Well, I just want you to know that your memory will live forever in my heart. You are thought of so very often, but especially on the anniversary of your death. Even though it has been four years ago today, I still miss you so very much and always will. I was truly blessed to be your daughter and I hope that my life today would make you proud of me and the person I have become. Love you!