According to my records for the past 5 years it is only 7 weeks until I could see a hummingbird at one of my feeders. The hummingbirds will start hitting the the United States sometime during the last of February. The 2008 Migration Map will be posted the last of February. Then the watching and waiting begins.
Just Seven Weeks!!!!
Mimidi, I leave my feeders up all year, there are hummers that overwinter here, I bet your area has some too. Put your feeder out now!
Yes, everyone is keeping a look out for over-wintering hummers! They have found a few up here in Ohio in the past several months--and one of our DGers in Missouri has had one at her feeders at least up through Christmas time! So exciting!
I was just looking at the Journey North HB migration maps a few days ago, wishing and hoping for some early hummers-- and I noticed they have an Oriole and Monarch migration maps there and other Springtime indication markers maps too. Very fascinating...
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/
I saw that website recently, too, Tabasco! Very interesting info for sure! Glad you posted the link here for everyone. :-)
You all have encouraged me to put my feeders out. I brought them in about the first of November but I think I will put them out this week. It is supposed to be up in the 60's, temperature-wise, this next week. Maybe a stray hummer or two will show up from somewhere. :o))
I keep feeders up all year too.
I have had a feeder up for about a month now and I haven't seen any activity. How long is the "nectar" good before I need to change it? Thanks,
Annie
mmm....around here they say to change it every few days or so, but I don't know exactly when the 'expiration' date is for sugar/water nectar...
they do say it keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge, and if it is cool in your area that should make a difference I would think in the time it says viable...
This little guy was drinking when it was 40°, a couple mornings ago, and I see him every morning. He's very brown, guess he has his winter coat on so he can blend in.
I change mine every 3 days, but I bet it last longer with cool weather.
Hey Fly_girl, believe that is a rufuos! Beautiful shot!
Thanks hlou!
fly_girl, what an awesome picture, the feather colors are so muted. Neato!
Cathy
So, fly_girl, it looks like you get other species besides ruby-throateds where you live?
Do you know which kind it is? http://www.hummingbirds.net/states.html
I am surprised by that list, I don't see all those kinds here, mostly what I think I see is the Ruby-throated. I haven't seen the Rufous in the summer, but I'm not that great at id'ing them.
I thought perhaps yours was something other than a RTH.... it looks very reddish brown, doesn't it?! I'm not good at IDing either...
Hummerlou says it's a Rufous, I get the Allen and the Rufous mixed up, so I'm taking her word for it :)
I wonder if the colors dull in the winter? I can't really tell what color the gorget is, looks brown to me.
Fly, we get hummers here all winter long as well (just Anna's, I believe) - I did have to remind myself to bring the feeders in at night all week as if I didn't, they froze up and took way too long the next day to thaw. The night temps were in the 20's. They're still in the low 30's, but I don't know that I'll go out and get them tonight - I'm feeling pretty lazy.
This photo has been lightened quite a bit so that the details show up - the bird itself is not that light.
Carole, that is a beauty! What you could do is have a spare inside then the next day go out and swap it....just a thought. I know you have a lot going on right now, hope you are doing well! I know the hummers are the least of your worries.
You know, I always think of hummers as little delicate creatures but maybe they are little dynamos all year round!
Wonderful photos Rox and Murmur!!!
I came across a good hummingbird website:
www.worldofhummingbirds.com
Check it out!
Oh! Here is a wonderful recorded video of Hummers. Amazing variety of birds! This should give you a hummer fix until yours arrive:
http://www.wildlifefocus.org/
Click on the photo to start the video. Enjoy!
Rox, that's a good idea - I'm not using very many right now anyway so that could easily be done. Hummingbirds might be "the least of my worries," but on the other hand, they are a lovely diversion!!!!
Beckygardener, That is a fabulous link! Thanks for the info.
Thanks Becky and great links!
Murmur, diversions are great way to renew your spirit and give your mind a rest from life's heavies. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes, the birdies (and even the snow) keep me from losing the ol' marbles, you know! I thought this was rather pretty.
Love the photo! I can't imagine snow and ice. It's been almost a half century since I last saw snow (when I was a little girl). I can't believe you still have a hummer! Keep the feeders from freezing so the little birdies have something to eat! I have heard that some folks bring the feeders in at night and return them in the morning so that the sugar water is still liquid instead of solid frozen.
tabasco, thanks for posting that link! I always add it to favorites on my PC early in the season so I can find it easy.
Great picture Carole!!! They are tough litle birds!!!
Enjoyed that link, Becky! I took the liberty of posting that link over on the weather forum for those folks to enjoy.
Amazing photo of the hummer in the ice and snow, murmur. It's a good thing the little fella has the feeder to rely on!
Oh I love the picture of the little hummer at the feeder with all that snow around.
I don't know how they survive in the winter...nothing's blooming, so where's the nectar, and the bugs are dead or hibernating? Do you think cavemen had hummingbird feeders? LOL
Rox, what a great question - lol!!! All I know for sure is that I adore the little birds and never (I mean never!) get tired of watching them or trying to get that "one perfect photo!"
Mimidi, thanks for starting this thread and thus reminding me to be grateful that the Anna's hang around here all year!