Yep, I figured it was just a way to play on my (skinny) wallet. The label has a news style article excerpt about "hummingbirds eating dirt!!" bla blah lah, because they are not getting enough calcium so their egg shells are too thin and so, if you don't buy this stuff, you are just an uncaring hummer hater. Haha...Maybe I could send in a slogan suggestion: 'Dont hate, buy our concentrate!' Yes, I know I am a nerd.
A- what is this going out west bizniss!? d or e mail me.
p.s. I meant that the hums at my place are going thru 4 ounces, not 40. I wish I had so many!
Hummingbirds in the Southeast yet?
Ha ha a - you could write greeting cards. ;)
A.
Lily Love
was poking around and found a web site http://www.butterfliesetc.com/ maybe u could get some bflys from them. never used them myself so travel with caution.
does anyone know if the feeders should be in sun or shade? have three up since March but nobody has visited yet and I do have at least two females but they are very flower oriented. about once a week I change and clean feeders but still no takers.
Hummingbirds have a cold body temperature and need the sun for warmth, they way they set at rest on top of fennel or corn stalks in the field , I would think the the sun for the feeder ..
quaqbe, I was thinking someone must have started a business of butterflies. And here is one! But, geez quite expensive ain't it? I think I'd cautiously travel ... just close enough to satisfy my curiosity LOL. But thanks anyhoo.
As far as hummingbird feeders, I noticed that hummingbirds aren't picky, they visit both sunny and shady area. I've so much nectar plants at present so I haven't hung my nectar feeder out on a regular basic this year.
quaqbe:
Regarding sun or shade:
If you don't notice them visiting in one place, try hanging a few feeders in different places.
At my old condo where I lived for ten years, I tried for years to draw them. They do not like open spaces, i think they can feel comfortable near the home, but they want the availability of protective cover in case they need to retreat or to watch the feeder in stealth if one of their competitors comes humming past.
If you hang your feeder in the sun, you will have to change the liquid almost every day as the sun/heat will cause the sugar mix to ferment.
If you hang in part sun/shade, it will only affect the rotation time of the sugar liquid, not whether the birds are attracted to it or not.
They are attracted to the color red, and in particular salvia flowers (the 'Black and Blue' variety outstanding) as well as the Agastache or "hummingbird mint". If they haven't visited any of your feeders, try hanging it with red ribbon and/or hanging a red ribbon from it to blow in the breeze to attract their attention.
All this, above, from my own many years of trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. There is a lot of information on the web, be sure you study from a trusted source if you seek out information.
Two more important points I've learned:
(1) the sugar liquid does not have to be red. Do not add food coloring.
(2) NEVER clean the feeder with soap. I use a toothbrush to clean the feeding stations and to get inside the reservoir. Use plain water to rinse. Use diluted white vinegar to clean. Vinegar kills almost as many germs as bleach. It is safe for animals to ingest. Conversely, detergents can be toxic in any amount to something as delicate as the hummer.
Good luck.
A.
Good points, A.
ditto what AmandaEsq says.
The feeders i have are close to overhanging trees and they always come from or go to the tree when using the feeder. i have to say Black and blue salvia is the sure bet.
it is not always available at big box stores, but any native source will have it.
I put my feeders in the shade so the nectar keeps a little longer. I have red reflectors nearby in the sun to give birds a heads up to stop and check closer. I don't know if this actually works, but I thought it was worth a try. Main placement consideration here is wind - I have problems with the wind dumping out feeders.
Saw them again. Today, between thunderstorms. ;)
Refilled TH feeders. They were all over the black and blue salvia. They don't seem to be looking at the feeders with the abundant nectar sources.
its funny, y'all r talking about b/b salvia. this is the first year I've ever tried it, always, always put in the red, even though I seldom see any hummers on it. just conditioned to red is best.............the b/b r all new plants and just starting to bloom...........we'll see.
got one feeder in part sun and one in mostly shade but still no takers, I keep cleaning and refilling but my two ladies just go to the bee balm and the shrimp plant.
I get that. I can hear the calls but they haven't come to the feeder on the deck or even to the Mandevilla hanging next to it. I'm really happy they are finding so much good stuff out in the yard and around the neighborhood. There's still plenty of time.
I would never have tried blk&blu if not for what I heard on DG and from the nursery I got it from. I always went for red, too. I am glad I tried it. I am going to try to take cuttings this year because it may make it thru the winter here, or may not. I really enjoy it's clear blue flower color and lime green leaves, and want more of it around the garden.Not only is it great hummingbird attractor, the bees and butterflies and hummingbird moths enjoy it, too Now, as far as red flowers, Pineapple sage! It blooms later and VERY profusely, and the hums really like it. I use the leaves for all kinds of stuff, but even if you don't..it just smells nice when you brush up against it. It made it thru the winter and came back when I thought it was a goner. three cheers for Pineapple sage!
Hahaha!!!
I was surprised that the b&b came back for me as it is sold as an annual here, or at least said so on the tag. I bought 3 plants on clearance and have been delighted. It will spread and can become very large. Easy to pull up new shoots to start new clumps. Speaking of which I have to send some to a friend when this rain lets up!!!!
Raining here too, 'B & B' salvia does well here too. It come back reliably every year for the past 4-5 years I've them. Hummingbirds love them, other bees and butterflies do too. My Pineapple sage couldn't withstand the partial shade condition? It gradually faded out over the years, but the 'B & B' is still standing strong. The hummers are daily visitor here.
I had the pineapple sage seed, but I guess I will break down and buy a Bonnie Bell plant at this point. I have been wanting to try it.
Hi Amanda, an I the friend you're sending some b&b salvia? ;)
Been away from my garden all week in Florida for vaca. Miss my garden and my dog. Have 5 more hours in the car ugh,
Hahaha. Not yet Judy, but can add to TH list. Have to get this stuff out before summer take hold and our wonderful cloud cover dissipates.
Hi all-
A-I think pineapple sage seed has to be fresh. I have tried with last fall's seed and had success, however the previous years seed were all duds.
I was such a dummy and pulled up my b&b salvia before it came up this year, thinking it was a goner. I am too impatient.
I have been seeing my beloved ruby throats every day. what great entertainment!
I hafta tell EVERYBODY. :)
The hummers are feeding from my fuchsia plant that I potted in a hanging basket! It is hanging from a hook just under the gutter/roof of my back porch. One of the hummer feeders hangs on the porch in the same area, and the B&B salvia is a full bed directly below the porch under both.
They start up top at the fuchsia and then the feeder and then the salvia. What fun! I really had no idea. I just love the plant because my mom bought one for me when I was a kid.
Congratulations. It is always a joy when you can bring them in close.
Well, that is so great A! also, what a great pic of teh bird nibbling your nose!
This is the first year in the last 4 that i didnt buy a fuschia basket. I love them, especially the purple and well, fuschia flowers as opposed to white and fuschia. The flowers remind me of ballerina tutus. Anyhoo, I passed on them because the hummingbirds seem wholly uninterested. I miss them,though and will get some next year again. I want a hardy type as well. I keep seeing Gartenmeister in pictures, growing into a big shrub, loaded with blooms. i'm not crazy about the flower shape, but if the hums go for it, then I am happy.
Hi scarlet! ;)
I see the ballerina tutus.
Will have to look into the shrubby one you mentioned. Are there hardy fuchsia for our zone?
y'all are talking about fuchsia.......try this one, my hummers LOVE it
http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/productcart/pc/Gartenmeister-Fuchsia-Plant-p1315.htm
its not hardy here in jersey but kept watered, it blooms very well and she comes everyday .......does real well in my porch railing box
Wow, that's so unusual! I will have to have it. :)
Mine is the garden variety, I think it's called 'stand up red and white'.
I saw a hummer on my 'miss huff' lantana in the driveway this week. Did I mention also the 'Spanish flag' already (Ipomoea lobata)?
Day before yesterday at this. hmmmmmmmmmmm, bzzzzzzzzzzz Hum ....
I was just outside refreshing the hummer feeder, as I reached up for it "she" arrived, I held my breath and she had a drink, not 4 inches from my nose...........WOW so cool! She is so tiny. God created such a wonder.
Hiya!
i will look up spanish flag. and I believe there are some hardy fuschias for our area.
So, I had a new thing...2 hummers at the same feeder. a boy and a girl. Until this, it is only one at a time. They are very happy with my tithonia.(from the seeds you sent, Amandaesq.) I have seen them everyday on the velvety orange flowers. Butterflies and bees love this flower too. It has gotten HUGE! at least 7 feet tall. Definitely a return for next year.
It seems like the hummer population at my place is increasing. I am seeing 6 to 8 of them at a time flitting around the flowers and the feeders. so great!
Excellent! I guess due to too much rain and TH bunnies that lopped TH top off, mine is only knee high. I have chicken wire cage around it, an I suspect it will take off soon.. didn't know th hummers drank from them, but that's why this thread is great to share and learn. :)
I don't know if they are nectaring or just snackin on bugs. I get hums on my zinnias and datura, and I think it is for the bugs. The lobelia I started from seed last year finally bloomed. The tall stems of clear red flowers really draw the hummingbirds. More tithonia progress, the topmost flower has cleared the roof ! We only have a trailer, but still, i know it is over 7 feet., I am 5'8" and I cannot reach the top of the plant. Next year will see these in a group either in the BF garden, or along the edge of our yard/neighbor's yard.
Yeah, they're awesome. Had three planted together that first year and they were show stoppers. Didn't realize I would get NO volunteers, with so many flowers and seeds I thought it as a given, but you'll see as I did that the seed pods are tight and sharp!
Glad I saved the seeds because I really missed them that year. As the seeds age the viability sure decreases so I'll be glad to have a new batch. Cleared out some Sun-blocking growth from around the single plant yesterday. Should be blooming soon. Totally envious and impatient!!! :)
Love my tithtonia! Great for butterflies, but have had hummers at them too. And the bees just go crazy for it too. Mine is about 5 feet tall, and loaded with blooms. I do usually have at least one volunteer, but have had more than that in the past. They get so big, I only really want/need one.
It certainly has been a "slow" hummer summer here. I've heard them in the mornings and yesterday one was sitting on the phone line outside the kitchen window. One or two checked out the feeder. I've seen a few fly by into the trees. But nothing like past years.
Maybe I've got yours from last year too, cville. I've got some high traffic from an unknown number, but seems there is always one at one of my two feeders now, either coming or going.
They have been here in ever increasing numbers since the beginning of August, a full month early. I am feeding 1/2 gallon a day right now and expect that to double by September.
I have gobs of butterflies and dragonflies but not hummers. Just a few. I'm not sure why but I suppose that may reflect several conditions. I read this on someone's blog recently:
Where have my hummingbirds gone?
Every year I receive messages from people with a long history of feeding a large number of hummingbirds who have noticed a dramatic decrease in the number of birds. I couldn't possibly give them a definitive answer but I have at least one idea about why this could have happened.
"Aside from the troubling concern that a true decrease in population of some species of hummingbirds could be happening, I believe the answer can lie in a less sinister scenario. Hummingbirds may return to some of these locations because they are near a stable wildflower area which has produced a dependable food source for years or decades. If weather conditions (such as drought or several years of drought) have altered this reliable source of nectar and insects, the hummingbirds may have shifted their breeding or migration zones accordingly. Destruction of natural habitat due to other causes would affect the appeal of the area to hummingbirds. Although a well maintained feeding station might be enough to attract lots of hummingbirds year after year, it might not continue to overcome a loss of wildflower acreage."
I haven't seen any scientific hypotheses and have yet to study hummers to a degree where I could generate my own.
If you are accustomed to gobs of them, I am a little envious. But sitting on the porch below a feeder with a tiny soul feeding above is a wonderful opportunity anyway you slice it.
Crazy thing, I actually now have plants succumbing to too much water. Those which are suited to prairie or meadow conditions not getting along very well. Had to excavate a new addition, sudbeckia 'green wizard' but it was too late to save it.
Habitat destruction and climate change are affecting many other species so I assume the hummers also. Stands to reason, scientific studies notwithstanding. Sometimes they are just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo because someone needs to publish. Conflicting statements seem to abound. I am going strictly by my puny human observations over the last 5 years. Well, it worked well for Lewis and Clark, Muir, Audubon, and others. :)
Yesterday, I was startled to look out my kitchen window and see that tiny hummer perched on the phone line a few feet away.
Yeah, lots of rain here but it is now heating up and will dry a bit. Nothing like last summer.
edited to change "is" to "are"
This message was edited Aug 23, 2013 4:18 AM
Last year I saw hummers as early as February , like it was living in an attic nearby .. This a half a dozen or so , no feeder here ,
There is always a flower or two they have a look into though ,,
Extinction and Extermination from theoretical demands are still on the rise , It is scary and worrisome.
The entire planet has gone NUTS!!!
Observation #1