BIRTH OF A HUMMINGBIRD
This is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because you'll probably never in your lifetime see this again, enjoy; and please share.
The photography is wonderful.
http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/
Birth of Hummingbirds
What do they make their nest out of? It looks like cotton
I read they line the inside of the nest with spider web.
That is just awesome and amazing, isn't it?
I don't get how people get pics of hummers. We have Ruby Throats here and they are the most skittish little things and they fight like all get out. It is rare to see more than one on a feeder. They're too territorial. Yet, I see photos on the internet of lots of hummers on one feeder.
I just love to watch them. They are so fascinating and beautiful little birds.
Hummer Helper attracts hummingbirds to nest in your yard!
Female hummingbirds like to make their nests soft and springy inside. Tough, resilient, and comfortable for the baby hummingbirds after the eggs hatch.
A mother hummingbird often lines her nest with the down from plants and silk from spider webs. She is likely to build her nest near a good source of cushiony material.
http://www.birdwatching.com/birdfeeders/hummingbird_nesting.html
Build a Hummingbird Nest!
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/NestBuilding.html
World of Hummingbirds
http://www.worldofhummingbirds.com/nest.php
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Nesting Phenology (Timing)
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/NestingPhenology.html
What Hummingbirds Really Eat by Jackie Bilello, GRNA Naturalist
Every spring bird lovers all over northern Michigan put out feeders to tempt our most favorite backyard bird, the ruby throated hummingbird. Everybody knows that flower nectar is a favorite food source of hummingbirds. After all, why else would hummers have long thin bills and feather-edged tongues? However, what may come as a surprise is that himmingbirds aren't just nectarivores--they're also insectivores that dine on miniscule invertebrates. Nectar, while containing small amounts of amino acids, cannot provide the protein these little birds need for their survival. But insects are tremendous sources of fat, protein, nitrogen, and amino acids--the very things hummingbirds need to build strong bodies,make baby hummingbirds, and zip to far-off tropical areas to spend the winter. The demand for protein is especially high during breeding season, which explains why we see fewer hummers at our feeders during early summer. They are almost exclusively hunting insects for their young.hummingbird
Hummers are actually very proficient at hunting insects. Studies have shown that a funnel of air pulled back by their wings actually draws insects int the waiting beak. By flying through a cloud of gnats or dislodging an unwary beetle from a branch, hummers can literally pull insects toward their mouths. They have a habit of stealing insects from spider webs, sometimes eating the spider too. They are also very adept at using spider webs to weave their cozy nests.
In the early spring, when flowers and insects are scarce in our northern areas hummers will sip tree sap from holes made by sapsuckers, and on their fall migration may stop to lick sap from acorn caps in southern oak groaves. So this year, along with your feeders, consider what else your favorite hummers need to thrive so they can continue to delight our northern summers.
http://209.85.215.104/search?q=cache:w1nCx_sGtOYJ:www.grassriver.org/almanac.php+Materials+Himmingbirds+use+for+nesting&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
Thoroughly enjoyed those links. Thanks!
Yes, thanks very much!
I'll be trying to get them to nest for me next year.