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Hummingbird Videos

Black-chinned Hummingbird

This video contains information on the migration of the Black-chinned Hummingbird as well as a variety of other information on this species of hummingbird.  So, sit back and prepare to be informed and entertained while discovering about the Black-chinned Hummingbird. 

 

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Dear Mom Hummingbird Food

Azaleas and Hummingbirds

Whenever I see azaleas it makes me think of my mother, because for many years there were pink and white ones that lined the flower bed that was on the side of our driveway. I even remember one year on Easter she took a photo of some of my nieces and nephews sitting on the grass in front of those bushes holding their Easter baskets.

As I have stated many times before, my mom loved to try and attract the hummingbirds to our yard with the plants and flowers which were found in our yard. I do not know if my mom specifically planted azaleas because she knew that they would attract hummingbirds and butterflies or not. Did you, mom? It may surprise you, as it certainly did me, to discover that azaleas are poisonous to humans. Were you aware of this fact, mom?

If you choose to plant azaleas as a way to attract both hummingbirds in butterflies, there are several things you need to keep in mind. This information should help you have greater success growing azaleas.

Different varieties of azaleas have a different sun requirement, which means that some varieties will grow in full sun while others will require that it be planted in a shady spot. Azaleas should be grown in raised beds. It is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. When you plant the azaleas, you should add mulch, peat moss and other organic materials in generous amounts. These plants grow well in acidic conditions. You will want to add root stimulator and keep them well mulched. Azaleas should be fertilized after they have boomed.

I hope this information provides you will the knowledge to have great success with growing Azaleas. Even though these plants are poisonous to humans, it does not lesson my enjoyment of them, because of the fact that they remind me of my mom and they are known to attract the hummingbirds.

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Dear Mom

Understanding Hummingbird Mirgration

Mom, I know you were aware that hummingbirds migrate, but  did you ever wonder what became of them after they left our area?  If so, I now have the answer.  Since I am not able to share the information with you personally, I will share it with those of you out there who read this blog and may not have much knowledge about hummingbird migration.
 
Hummingbirds migrate twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Prior to making this journey, it is necessary for the hummingbird to gain between 25-40 percent of its body weight. The various hummingbird species will take a different migration path. Hummingbirds will make this journey alone rather then in groups and these birds will follow the exact same route year after year. 
 
Calliope hummingbirds bare the distinction of being the smallest bird that is known to breed in North America. It will spend the summer in the western mountains as far north as British Columbia. They will begin their journey north starting in March from northern and central Mexico, where they keep their winter homes. They start to migrate back during August.
 
One very interesting fact about the Female broad-tailed hummingbird: it may actually return to the same tree or bush every year to nest. Most of these birds spend the winter in the Mexican mountains. Broad tailed hummingbirds migrate as far north as British Columbia for the summer months, with some stopping in Texas, New Mexico, California and Wyoming along the way.
 
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Hummingbird Videos

Hummingbird Banding Up Close

In this video you will discover some fascinating information about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as well as getting to see this bird being banded. For those of you who were wondering, this video takes place at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center’s Hummingbird Migration Celebration in Holly Springs, MS.

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Dear Mom

Are There Hummingbirds In Alaska?

Guess what, mom!  I just discovered that there are indeed hummingbirds found in Alaska.  Maybe Kolin could take some photos of the hummingbirds there if and when he ever gets the opportunity to visit Alaska some day.  He has always said that he would love to visit there and see all the beauty that nature has to offer and that it would be an amazing opportunity to photograph the beauty found there.  So when you go there Kolin, be sure and try to photograph the hummingbirds for me and in mom’s memory.  I’ll be sure an appreciate the hummingbird’s beauty for the both of us.  

Now, blow is some information I thought everyone would find quite interesting about the Rufous Hummingbird.  

The Rufous Hummingbird is the smallest bird found in Alaska. Just how small is this bird?  I have the answer for you.  The Rufous Hummingbird is less then 4 inches long and weighs only 3.25 grams.  Just to give you some idea how little that truly is in terms of weight, that is less then a penny weighs.  Another comparison is that it would take 78,000,000 hummingbirds to equal the  weight of a commercial 737 jet.

So, even as far away as Alaska is there are indeed hummingbirds found there.  I don’t know about you but I myself find this quite surprising.  Why is that you ask?  Well, I guess because I probably have the wrong idea that it is always cold in Alaska.  Regardless, I hope my brother will one day get to fulfill his dream of visiting and photographing the beauty that is found in Alaska and who knows maybe that could even include some amazing photos of a Rufous Hummingbird.