Hummingbirds!

[Joshua Szulecki]

An Alabama Birding e-mail list I subscribe to is reporting record numbers of migrant hummingbirds passing through Alabama. They say it is the most they've seen since 1988 or 89. Could be because of Fay, but they are around on time for this year. Keep an eye out, and if you are the type, put out a feeder to help the little birds on their way.

[Nalgene Ninja]

I have a feeder on my backporch, with a couple of regular feeders. Is there any particular type I should look out for?

[Joshua Szulecki]

They didn't specify, but I'm assuming Ruby Throated.

We've got one here that loves the potted hibiscus on the deck, and I've placed a feeder next to the plant for when it doesn't have open flowers, which occurs every few days. I read an interesting thing about the feeders yesterday...if the sugar concentration is high, the hummingbirds will feed less often, apparently, so you might see them less, but they'll be better rested.

[Rob]

I have used the packaged nectar product before and it didn't seem to be as desireable as the home "brew". Maybe it was because of the sugar content. Anyone know what the recommended ratio of sugar to water actually is? I used to have the info that came with my feeder but somehow misplaced it. Also don't forget to sterilize your feeders before replenishing the nectar/sugar water.

[Joshua Szulecki]

The general recommendation is a water to sugar ratio of 4:1. Apparently, varying that in the high direction will lower feeding frequency but save the bird's energy, whereas making the mixture more lean will result in better birding through more visits. Don't use powdered sugar, and don't leave the mixture out for long, because if it ferments or otherwise is contaminated, it may harm the birds.

The paper about varying the sugar amount:
http://www.hummingbirds.net/hainsworth.html

[Rob]

Thanks Josh. I can now do my part to facilitate their journey!

[Cuffs]

Josh, you nailed it on the hummers!  I follow a northbound website every spring so that I know when to put my feeders out for the season. 

In this area you will only see Ruby Throated.  On the rare occasion you may see a Rufous hummer.  Same bird, just brown on top, white/cream on bottom. 

I too use the 4:1 water/cane sugar ratio.  Do not use beet sugar, just regular old granular cane sugar is best for them. 

I have 2 feeders at my house, and have learned to put them on different sides of the house because of their fighting.  Fierce little buggers!  The feeders are hung on arms that suction to my windows so they are 'right there!'  I just love them, sooooo adorable!  My cats find them entertaining too!

[Joshua Szulecki]

I actually had one give me the once-over the other day, before deciding I was too big to fight with. I guess I'll stay away from the hibiscus for now...

[Cuffs]

I got 'buzzed' by one for what seemed forever, but was probably only a few seconds... I had on a floral bandana on my head... I suppose I was momentarily mistaken for a flower.  I had been doing lots of physical labor that day, so I know I was not smelling like a flower!!

[Suz]

If anyone is interested in plantings that will attract hummingbirds here are some suggestions:  Shrub - small tree  - Vitex agnus castus, vines- Trumpet Creeper, and trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).  Flowers - any salvia blue or red, fuschia, and the mexican petunia.  Probably petunias.  They tend to prefer red tubular flowers in texts, but in life, I've seen them on any tubular flowers like the purples and lavenders.  So enjoy!

[PastorLarryT]

It is amazing to consider that these tiny little birds, with wing-beats faster than you can count, fly across the Gulf of Mexico!  No rest stop, no lay-overs -- direct, non-stop!!!

How many wing-beats do you suppose it takes for the average hummingbird to make it across the Gulf??? 

[Cuffs]

If anyone is interested in plantings that will attract hummingbirds here are some suggestions:  Shrub - small tree  - Vitex agnus castus, vines- Trumpet Creeper, and trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).  Flowers - any salvia blue or red, fuschia, and the mexican petunia.  Probably petunias.  They tend to prefer red tubular flowers in texts, but in life, I've seen them on any tubular flowers like the purples and lavenders.  So enjoy!

The Chaste tree is nice, but since it is not a native plant, I dont know that I would plant one.  Besides, they make a mess in the yard with their droppings, much like mimosa trees do.  The most popular flowers in my yard are Buddleia, Salvia "Hot Lips" & "Wild Thing", and my hundreds of daylilies.  Thank goodness theirs lots to choose from, otherwise they would spend their precious time fighting over the feeders!