WESTERN HUMMINGBIRDS VOL. 8

It looks as if the plant may be a Grevillia, duc.

Wow, that's a beautiful plant. Looks like a pine tree withflowers.

Thanks Margaret, I believe you have the right name. It looks most like the "Canberra Gem". Thank you for your help.

I did a Google search on that name and found this cute video from Australia that shows a White fronted Honeyeater enjoying the blooms.

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/white-fronted-honeyeater-purnella-albifrons/bird-feeding-nectar-garden-shrub-grevillea-sp

Nice video, duc. Grevillias should grow well where you are. However, some people have a reaction to the leaves - generally nothing serious. If you were ever thinking about growing one, just rub your arm gently across the leaves and see if you have a reaction, or plant it where you aren't likely to brush against it in passing. Birds just go wild over them.

Excellent shots of the hummingbirds, duc and adel. We're still waiting here on the east coast. The last time I checked, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were as far north as Williamsburg, VA. Time to get my feeder ready. Nonetheless, I have a difficult time getting quality photos of my hummingbirds.

Margaret, I think I'll just take my photos of this plant and the hummers by walking across the street. You're right about the leaves-these are very stiff and stickery (if that's a word).

Linth, I think the hummers are the biggest challenge to photograph, but I can stand just 4 or 5ft. away from my birds and click away with the camera. I don't really like to use the flash on them very often because it does scare some of them away.

These are Anna's Hummingbirds and I just love them. My husband was hammering away at a birdhouse close to this feeder and each time he hammered, the birds reacted and I clicked the camera. The great thing was that they didn't fly away each time so I got some practice time.

Stickery. Hmmmm, not familiar with that one.

Fabulous shots, duc.

Love all the gorgeous Hummer shots...can't wait for ours to show up!

Duc...I showed DH your water fountain that the Hummers and other birds love so much and he is making one for me. So far so good..I am excited!!

Rose, that's wonderful news. Hope you'll post a photo when it's completed. Believe me, the birds just love any water.

Cute shot Duc...I am so jealous!! I will post a pic of the fountain when it is assembled. I have never seen our Hummers on any water so it will be a real thrill if they use it!

Whoaaa, You tell DH that he's going to have some more orders for that fountain, Rose!

Good idea, I could use more of them too!!

I don't want to hijack your thread but here is the first one he made using leftover stuff from around the yard. The next one will have the copper going through the center as well (I tried to tell him but he didn't hear me)!! Anyway...still have to get some of those smooth little rocks for it so I can adjust how deep the copper goes into the water. The deeper into the water...the less water flow, if that makes sense. This one is about 14" across and the next one will be smaller and made with those red glazed flower pots they have at Wally World. I want it in time for the little Hummers!!

Wonderful. Give your husband kudos from me.

He did a fantastic job on this one!! Love it and hope he'll make more for you. Mine just has a fish pump attached and the birds won't care how high the water is, so don't worry about it-unless you don't want the bigger birds in there. Be careful, these are addictive!


Forgot to tell you, you're not hijacking anything!! These threads are for everyone.

This message was edited Mar 24, 2010 2:01 PM

Thanks PNW and Duc...I told him and now his head is all swollen...LOL! I'm glad to know the water height doesn't matter..thanks for letting me know. I am anxious to get the little red one going in time for the Hummers!

Duc...that shot is just too adorable!! You know you have all of us drooling.......I sure hope I can get some water play shots!

Oh Rose, he did great!!!

Given you have the bluebirds, you might want to leave it deeper as Duc said!

Oh AND, you have so MANY ruby throats that I'm sure you'll have lots of playing. You should have him make more and sell them on DG marketplace.

The male Rufous sure was fast moving. Had to get these pictures through the window. Every time I stepped out on the deck, he took off. He'll get used to me soon though.

Another one

So fast, the wings didn't even show up!

Wow Delano did an excellent job on that Rose!! I agree with Mrs Ed. He should sell them!!!!

Those are gorgeous Duc...oh man, am I jealous and still have a long to wait for ours to arrive!!

Hey guys...Delano has come up with a newer and easier idea for the fountain. When I get the time I will take pics and share so you all can easily make your own!!

We traveled to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park California, to the see the spring bloom of wild flowers, after a fairly rainy winter. Costa's Hummingbirds were there also, enjoying the the spring blooms. This female posed for several shots.

This male Costa's regularly returned to one of four perches. To keep the sun out of his eyes, he always faced away from the sun, making it next to impossible to capture the iridescent on his head and throat.

A Costa's Hummingbird built a nest next to the first handicapped parking space at Park's Visitor's Center

Another female collecting nectar, from a Fairy Duster flower, in the botanical garden of desert plants surrounding the Anza-Borrego Visitor's Center.

Another shot of the same Hummingbird and bush.

I was wearing a white long sleeve T-shirt when I was photographing the female Costa's Hummingbird feeding on Fairy Duster flowers. When she finished drinking nectar, she stated feeding on very tiny insects. Apparently she could spot the insects best against my white shirt sleeve. She was coming to within 3 inches of my right arm snatching insects! Of course, I was holding the camera in my right hand, and couldn't take any picture.

Hi Gary, Those are great!!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip!! I love the Costa's Hummingbird!

Wow, Gary, those are excellent photos of the Costa's. I bet you were as excited as I always am when the bird got so close to you. Glad you had this wonderful opportunity to see such pretty birds and blooms. Also, can't believe you got to see the nest too.

I noticed my Anna's is still showing nesting signs on the beak.

Wow!!! Great shots everyone!!

She is so pretty Duc!

This Anna's hummer looked cute in the bright sun.

Had to take these photos through the window because of the nasty winds.

Another Rufous hummer arrived yesterday.

It didn't seem to enjoy the wind anymore than I did.

Beautiful hummers duc!

This is an Anna's male about to leave.

Got this new hummer feeder in the mail yesterday and it didn't take long for the birds to try it out.

The good thing about it is that it has bee guards on each feeding port, plus the ant moat (which I really need) in the center. It's called a HummZinger Ultra and it holds 12 oz. of sugar water. It's easy to clean also.