The RT Hummingbird migration has started!!!

Hi flowblue, I can't give any specifics on the perch but maybe you can get some idea tweeking it from this page.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7642016_homemade-hummingbird-perch-feeder.html


I think I'm going to get my feeders out tomorrow since they are so close. They are going to be chilly if they keep coming north at this rate.

They don't really need a perch, but I think you could probably easily wrap some wire around the existing wire. You can find craft wire at craft stores or in the craft aisles at big stores like Target, etc.

Google test tube feeders and get some ideas.
http://www.wildbirddepot.com/store-products-wand-Wild-Bird-Depots-Wand-Test-Tube-Hummingbird-Feeder_1097069856.html

hi pell and mrs._ed,

just returned from wild birds unlimited to buy vials.while there, i saw window feeders and one port feeders all wired....really no rule how to...but i got some ideas of how to tilt vial, and they were very good at answering some of my questions too.

i did go to both websites you recommended and got other tips from reading the websites. now - just to do it.

i explained to store owner that i think the dish feeder with 5/6 ports was much too big for the number of hummers that visit. he told me to just fill a third of the feeder....so then i asked well, they might not be able to reach the nectar if low...that's when i found out that according to him hummers' tongue are so long ...from their mouth the tongue can go circle all the way to the top of their head...so he said a third was fine.

i bought six...will put out three - so i have refills ready. i'll base my perch distance from the dish feeder i already have.
thanks for all your help...those websites opened to more info.

Will be nice to hear how they do. I've worried that they might drip.

mrs_ed,

me too. store owner explained that vial has to be tilted just right for cap to store overflow???? will have to experiment/figure......challenge! vial is for 3 ozs. only.

My hummers are back!!! Problem is, the neighbors cut down the trees they nest in yesterday. I have not seen them this morninging. I tossed and turned all night over the birds and those trees. The food is always out if they come back. I hope they find a nice place close by. They were as beautiful as ever, I love it when they buzz me to get away from their feeder.

I set out two of my nectar feeders anticipating their arrival. gardenglory, I'm happy for you that yours are back, but sorry that neighbor has cut down those trees. What kind of trees did they choose to build their nest on? I've a pin Oak in the front. I was wondering if they ever built the nest up high that I couldn't see.

Just checked the map...and I will be getting mine out and ready!

The were oaks. I see them in the live oak and the laurrel/pin oaks. You have to see them go in, but its amazing how once you get used to it, you can see those tiny birds sitting up in the big oaks. Gosh I hope they come back.

I've heard that they like to nest in trees with branches more at 45° angle. I"m not sure how true that is, but thought I'd pass it along.

Thanks Marna and gardenglory, for now I'd be so tickled to see them arrive. None have been sighted yet. How do you like this feeder with an upside down umbralla ant-moat? Where is Susan everyone?

I have one of those too although I usually don't have problems with ants.

I've always loved the umbrella moat. I have problems once in a while with some black ants towards the end of the season, but not much.

LL do you remember when your first sighting was last year?

I have one of those as well, the other birds frequently are seen taking a drink. Love it for that alone.

Other birds taking a drink?... I can't wait. Marna, no way I can remember that far. I need to make a note of it this year. lol

Guess what? I've got my very first RT hummer. A male! Earlier, I heard that unmistakable buzz above my head, I was right beneath the new nectar I have hung for 'em. I looked up then and didn't see a thing. Disappointed, I thought hmmm, I knew it was his arrival. Couple hours later when I forgot about the mis-apportunity. He buzzed me again, this time he perched on the feeder perch and gave me a good admiration pose. lol. No camera at hand. :((

ah. congrats.

Thank you Mrs. Ed. I feel like ... great! LOL

My first glimpse of the pretty boy this morning! (approx. 9 o'clock position in relation to the feeder).

Please pardon, wrong pix. In the above pix, he already landed on the perch on the right hand side.

oh...I see him!! Getting anxious here to hear that familiar buzz!

Nan, hope yours will arrive soon. I saw him again early this morning, I have to work around that area a bunch today so didn't see him much. Hope it's here to stay and not just passing through.

I saw mine yesterday for the first time since the trees were taken down, boy did that make me happy. Its a buzzer too, I especially like it when they buzz me to get me to move on.

Mine frequently perch on my Pin Oak, although I've a southern Magnolia nearby. I hope they will chose one of the trees to nest. gardenglory, glad yours has returned. So far 1 male arrived 2 days ago & stayed. Looking forward for more arrival.

Wooohooo! The 2nd male arrived! Drum rolls!!! Ofcourse, the 1st one has to buzz the new arrival off! LOL. I need a name for this grumpy one!

Yes they are in VA now! My first usually arrive around April 22 or so. I am glad to be back, have missed my bird watching friends! GM

Good to have you back GM!

Thanks Pell!

Saw my first male ruby-throat just a few minutes ago. This is my earliest sighting ever. They are usually here April 4 or later. But... the azaleas are blooming and all the spring stuff is about 2 weeks early here this year.

I just ordered this new feeder to put out front

http://www.duncraft.com/index/page/product/product_id/3299/category_id/247/category_chain/245,247/product_name/Petunia+Hummingbird+Feeder

DO NOT buy this feeder...JUNK!

In the mean time I have put up the one I usually have out. Hoping for better photos with the new one!



This message was edited Apr 7, 2011 6:16 PM

Oh I like that one.

I wanted another Hummzinger like I have but just don't want to pay almost $30 right now. The price was right on this one and it is very similar. The raised perches seem to be the big thing this year. I know WBU has a new one with a raised perch.

Yah, that's less than half the price of a hummzinger. Pretty nice!

I bought a larger first nature feeder at the end of the season last year. And, are you sitting down? DH was with me and was the one who suggested I go ahead and get it. LOL.

New Jersey has it's first Hummingbird of the season!!

Those birds are amazinggggggg! They travel so far.

Wow! Already in NJ! I am impressed! We won't see them here for a month or 2, I didn't figure, but maybe they are only a month away after all! Yippee!! And I really like that feeder! You will have to let us know how well you like it when you put it up and use it for a little while, please. I would love to know how it holds up for you. The price is so much better than Hummzingers!

So excited!!! My hooks are up but not the feeders yet. Time to start making nectar!!! GM

"time to make nectar" lol, GP I was on that prep. stage a couple weeks ago. I can relate with the excitment. I'm adding red color blooms to the garden now to attract new comers. lol

editted for typo.



This message was edited Mar 31, 2011 7:27 AM

That's pretty funny about the hoarding. but it's really nice to not have to clean them right away, just swap them out.