While some look to their gardens for signs of spring and summer, I look to the hummingbirds. I follow the hummingbird migration maps, and determine when they will return to their favorite tree on our property each Spring. My hummingbird feeder goes out early in the season so that it is ready for the first arrival.
And then, late in the summer, I know that soon they will leave and move to warmer regions. The feeder is emptied later in the season at a much quicker rate because now the young have grown so there are more "hummers", and because they are eating a lot to gain energy for their flight south.
But feeding them by hand, that is a heartwarming treat that allows you to look at them up closely.
I hope to share with you how to feed hummingbirds by hand, and a place or two where it is a very popular thing to do.
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Guestbook - Tell me your hummingbird or bird feeding story
@MBC I'll have to stop by and visit your article, I can't believe you commented in January and I missed it!
Love your photos. I also have an article on Hummingbirds. They are so fascinating!
@DerdriuMarriner this is a good observation that you have made.
happynutritionist, It's also charming to realize that generations are returning to the same feeders and backyards. The continuity of parents passing on to their offspring, who pass the info on to their offspring, etc., the tradition of visiting specific feeders attests to the intelligence and loyalty of birds in establishing familiarity in their lives. Bird parents want their offspring to feel safe.
That is how I feel about it, and you are right, they do come back, those with unique markings I can recognize. The babies are at the hummingbird feeder these days which always makes for a lot more chasing one another.
happynutritionist, Birds can be such welcome guests in our lives. It's fun to think that, since they often return to the same feeders and backyards, they look forward to annual reunions with us as much as we look forward to their return visits.
Thank you, I am looking at one out my window now and realizing it will only be a matter of a week to a few weeks before they migrate away for the winter, the food is going down fast and I have to fill the feeder again.
I love birds and Hummingbirds are so beautiful! I would love to have the opportunity to feed them. Your photos are lovely and I enjoyed reading this article :)
What wonderful photos you have here! I love hummingbirds and use that Perky Pet feeder. I seldom see more than one hummingbird use it at a time. They are always chasing each other away.
Goodness, what a magical article. I feel like getting a hummingbird feeder now! But the birds tease my cats. LOL. Seriously, they do. Animals are so weird sometimes. :)