Hummingbirds are so interesting . . or maybe I’m just easily entertained.
Last night while waiting for the chickens to go into the coop so I could go out and close them up for the night, I decided to sit on the porch and watch the storm off in the distance. There are several hummingbird feeders on the porch and they’re hilarious to watch. They seem to want to kill each other and they’re so blasted fast and can get quite noisy.
Hummingbirds
At times, there would be 5 or 6 of them buzzing around in front of me but the most I captured on the camera was 3.
This is a picture taken a few years ago with a whole bunch of them at a feeder.
Hummingbirds
Below is one of my favorite pictures. I took it in 2006 (Kentucky) when I was out on my deck taking a picture of the back side of a quilt. I didn’t even realize the hummingbird had flown by while I was taking the picture til I looked at the picture when I got inside.
Hummingbird
They are amazing little birds!
cilla says
We have the Ruby Throated up here in NH. If I sit very still by the hummer feeders and wear a red bow in my hair they will come by to investigate. I’ve had them land in my hair. They sound like a huge bee.
Cocoa Quilts says
They are amazing creatures. here are a few fun facts
A hummingbird’s wings beat between 50 and 200 flaps per second depending on the direction of flight and air conditions.
An average hummingbird’s heart rate is more than 1,200 beats per minute.
At rest, a hummingbird takes an average of 250 breaths per minute. Their breathing pace will increase when they are in flight.
Hummingbirds do not suck nectar through their long bills, they lick it with fringed, forked tongues. Capillary action along the fringe of their tongue helps draw nectar up into their throats so they can swallow.
Linda says
Neat hummer photos. When we first moved to our house 15 yrs ago, the hummers would sit enmasse at the feeder as in your photo. After awhile, the mean old males drove everyone out and then only a few of them fought over the feeder. However, last summer, the local “authorities” warned that there was a feeder disease going round (all kinds of feeders) and too many dead birds were being found. We were implored to empty our feeders, disinfect them and NOT refill. So we haven’t. Without the seed eaters dropping seeds on the ground, we no longer have a skunk or turkey problem, but I miss the birds. All the birds. At present, the orange tree is alive with butterflies and hummers sippin’ the blossom nectar.
Rebecca Muir MacKellar says
I don’t know how anyone gets so many hummers to sit on the feeder at once. Our hummers would rather fight with each other. They do eat a lot, but not at the same time. Really spectacular little athletes.
Dar in MO says
I am a lover of hummingbirds too. I have 4 feeders up this year, but the activity has not been as busy yet. Hopefully after all the rain, more will come back. I have only had 2 or 3 on the feeder at a time, but I know there are many more around our yard. I love hearing their little static electricity sound when they come near.
cilla says
I wish I could hear them and the wild turkeys. My DH says “can you hear that” and alas I cannot not. Losing hearing is better than losing sight (in my opinion). Have to look at the positive!
Lee Young says
I added a second feeder this year as we have other birds that also love the nectar (hooded orioles, ladderback woodpeckers & even the house finch). The bigger birds don’t seem to go to the second feeder which has smaller holes. For about six or seven years now, we’ve had hummers build, and re-use, their nests right outside my kitchen window. The original nest was re-used uptil it disappeared this winter. The second nest originated last year and was used twice then, and has again been used twice this spring. Only one clutch this year has survived to maturity (nature and predatory birds – jays/crows, ants, lizards interfere). Just a couple days ago, I noticed a hummer was building a new nest (the third) in the original tree/shrub and she loves to hover right out my window looking in and doesn’t even flinch when I put my hand to the window. I’ve never had more than a couple at (or fighting over) the feeder though and am always amazed at those whose feeders have so many sitting and feeding all at the same time. They are amazing creations.
Carolyn says
WOW! that’s amazing. if I see more than one it’s bc they are fighting. very territorial little birds.