First Hummingbird Sighting!

[Solemate62]

I witnessed my first hummer sighting at my house on 4/10/14, 8:27 AM, CDST! For almost two decades now, I have always started to put out my feeders on April 1st, and have kept a journal to record my first sighting of these magnificent tiny birds! I consider their arrival to be a true harbinger of Spring! Where I live in the USA, I only attract the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds!

Please, if you put out feeders, make up your own feeding solution simply mixing 1 part of cane sugar to 4 parts water! Mix well and keep the unused portion in your fridge! DO NOT USE THE RED COLORED MIXES YOU CAN PURCHASE - These are made with artificial food coloring dyes that are detrimental to the health and immune system of these little birds. It is a myth perpetuated by the companies, that you need the color RED to entice these hummers, and that is pure bullshit in order to turn a profit! I never have had difficulty attracting hundreds of hummingbirds to my feeding stations with the sugar water mix!

So, get your feeders out now, filled with cane sugar and water, and welcome these beautiful birds back to your home, as they complete their arduous flight from Central America to all backyards across North America!

[tia travels]

They certainly are pretty and fun to watch, aren't they?

[tia travels]

This would be so cool to have them land on or eat out of your hand.

[tia travels]

[Solemate62]

Thanks for the beautiful pics, Tia, and yes they surely are!

[LNK]

Originally Posted by tia travels

This would be so cool to have them land on or eat out of your hand.

If you have a feeder and hummingbirds that visit it, just put your finger under the "spout", and hold very still, and they may perch as they eat.

[Solemate62]

....also, I have always thought of the Hummers as being shy, docile incredible flying machines but once, several years ago, our AC tech was here to service our unit and while working outside, a pissed off little one snatched onto one of his ears and bloodied it pretty good before taking off! Never could figure out the bird's motivation - the man could not have been a threat to the hummer's nest as they build them high up in the canopy of the trees!

[Fast Gunn]

When you look at hummingbirds with their bright iridescent plumage and exquisite structure, you naturally think these are cute, cuddly and delicate creatures.

Well, it turns out that they are not anything like they first appear.

Hummingbirds are very aggressive and territorial and will fight each other to protect their territory even to the death if need be.

I was quite shocked to see just how savage and treacherous these little beasts can be. In one dramatic scene on Nature, one hummingbird attacked another one from behind using his long beak like a sword to stab him from behind and killing him instantly.

. . . Et tu brute?

[Solemate62]

Learned something new today! Thanks, FastGun!

[Guest010415]

MY hummingbirds have not yet migrated to the North Country from South America.
Yes, I have done research on them.
I have a picture with one or more of them in my hand, after they got stuck in my veranda. I rescued them, and allowed them to go out the door. They are truly my favorite bird. MY Finches and Chicadees are too finicky for me. Although beautiful to say the least, they better realize pretty quick that I spend like, $40 a week on feed for them. If they don't want it, another will. Like the squirrels!!

[Guest010415]

Dupe

[Solemate62]

Originally Posted by Frank Pierce

Dupe

Frank....what's this mean?

[LNK]

Duplicate post.

[Solemate62]

Originally Posted by LNK

Duplicate post.

can't believe I'm so obtuse I did not know that! Thanks, LNK!

[Solemate62]

Update: Today, my local hummers are freezing their feathery little asses off! Outside temperature is 31 F, wind from north at 25 MPH, even some snow flurries!