Saw My First Hummer Today for 2011

[berdlover416]

Was sitting there enjoying the PM's nesting. Then, there he was, looking for a feeder. I jumped up and put up 4 feeders. Before long, I saw a male and female feeding. Wow, very excited.

[John Pearson]

I'm in north texas and for some reason don't get much luck feeding hummers. They show up in my yard from time to time but they never go to my feeder offerings. I put up a big red bow last year and diligently replace the 'nectar' each week. At first I thought it was because they are migratory and when they first come through I didn't have a feeder up. But now after hearing your story I'm not so sure any more. Congrats & keep us posted.
john

[berdlover416]

I have been feeding hummers for about 4 years. They keep coming back to where I normally hang feeders through out the year. That lets me know that these are some of the same birds from the year before. I have had good luck with feeding them.

Gets pretty crazy after awhile. I will have 12-13 feeders hanging in the same area during the peek season. All feeders will have to be refilled every other day. We run an amusement park. Visiters are here all the time. I see them taking pics of them. The hummers will come within 2-3 feet of the visitors if they keep still.

I'm afraid someone will get speared one day. The hummers fight all the time ever though there are plenty of feeders.

Yes, the wasps and bees enjoy the feeders, also. They do not seem to bother the hummers since there are plenty of feeders.

I hope you get hummers this year that decide to stay. They will multiply and you will have to buy sugar by the truckload.
Good luck!

[berdlover416]

Would you guys like pics of some of the hummers feeding? Will post if any interest. I normally just watch and enjoy. Cathy

[Sugar Land]

Tim, like you I have never seen a hummer at one of my feeders here but occasionally see them at various flowers as they migrate coming and going.

In New Mexico, Cloudcroft, I refill quart size feeders every other day.

Never say never, I've had three feeders out here for the past week.

Cheryl

[berdlover416]

I had many humming birds just last week. I feed them fresh sugar water all the time with about 8+ feeders. I also host a large colony of Purple martins.

I noticed yesterday that the hummers were few. I have been brain storming to solve the mystery of the missing hummers. THEN, as I'm sitting there watching my one and only hummer feeding, a tree swallow swoops in and scares it off. As far as I know, it does not have a nest near. Never had problems with tree swallows before, I have been feeding hummers for years. Never noticed this behavior before now.

Any one know about the problem between the hummer and tree swallow? I'm thinking this might be why others have a hard time keeping Hummers. Do the swallows kill them or just chase them off?

Need help. Very Confused!!

[berdlover416]

I was in Maine 2 weeks ago visiting family. I was standing at the kitchen door when saw movement in the flower bushes. A hummer...a hummer. I was so excited. No, I did not think one of my little fellow followed me there.

I did not know they traveled that far north. Bar Harbor,ME

Update on my hummers back in North Louisiana. Still many but not as many as last year. But still have 12 + feeders up and replace the fluid about every three days to keep it fresh. Really HOT here.

Thanks for letting me share. Cathy