I think she was turning the eggs here...She was doing a lot of moving around.
I found another hummingbird nest part 3 - time to fly!
One more shot from yesterday:
Good stuff sunnyg.
Indeed, Willow :-)
Here's a video of mama adding a bit of white fluff (seed fluff?) to her nest: http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=003.flv
Edited to add: Well shoot, the video isn't as clear on photobucket, and it's really hard to see her tiny bit fluff.
This message was edited Apr 25, 2009 5:16 PM
Here she is, all settled in for a bit:
Looks like she has her window boxes planted with tiny ivy.^_^
LOL Willow!
Naturally she is a gardening hummer living with sunnyg ^_^
But of course, Dahlia!
I am sad to report that this last batch of eggs never hatched, and mom has abandoned the nest. :-( I don't know whether that really hot weather we had fried the eggs, if something ate them, or what...but there is no longer any activity on/in that nest. On a more positive note, the first nest I watched (eggs got blown out of the nest) has been mostly "stolen," so there is at least one new hummer nest around here, somewhere.
Sometimes nature is sad :(
is that an oleander tree? do hummingbirds like oleander trees?
I have seen hummers around my oleanders.
It's an oleander, yes. I've never personally seen the hummers show any interest in the blooms, but I haven't paid all that much attention either ;-). Do you have oleanders, Planolinda? Cactus, have you seen them drinking from the blooms?
The most recent nest I was watching has now been "stolen." Here is a pic of the remnants...
...and I think this might very well be the thief! Here is nest #5. This nest is in a completely different location...off the street and near the mailboxes, and in a completely shaded area. Given the heat we get here, the location seems like a pretty wise choice. Getting photos will be a challenge with the lighting, but I'm really hoping this cool spot leads to a successful baby experience :-).
Here is one more shot of the little thief. I am so excited, as I thought I would have to wait until next year for more babies.
i do have oleanders and am hoping that when and if i get hummingbirds they might choose them for the nest!
love your pictures! thanks for posting them
Awww must be of the 'nestnabbing' species. YA more babies ^_^
That's a cozy little spot. Do you think it is the same bird and she just moved the nest?
Good shots, Sunny. What an exquisite little nest
This is the sweetest thread!! and speaking of oleander, does anyone have any non chemical seed pods? I would love to have some seeds to attempt to grow my own chemical free oleander. I do know about their toxicity, too. Kathy
i have pods but i don't understand what you mean by non chemical --as in no insect spray or fertilizer?
The ones here at the stores have been treated with pesticides and I wont risk the creatures here from a store bought plant. I am sure there was a better way to say it. Kathy
i grew my oleander from a branch--took a while but when it took off it really took off!
Organic seed pods?
Interesting, Linda,
Dahlia,Yes organic seed pods would be the better way to say it, DUH! Kathy
I have seen them drinking at my oleander blooms. But now that you mention it maybe they were just perching? I will pay more attention next time I notice them there!
Their main diet is insects, so they might be finding them in the flowers.
Sunny,
Your thread has kept me so engrossed and excited each time I open it.
I have learned SO much that i never would have were it not for your efforts to share all of this with us.
From the sadness at the broken 1st nest eggs, to the worry over the gardeners clippers to the excitement ad joy of the Momma recycling her (or someones) nesting materials, you have given us a gift like no other.
Even the added links that were referenced in your thread on lichen and hummer nest building were exciting.
I applaud your efforts and your heart both for these precious and lovely birds and for sharing all of this. I cannot thank you enough!!
Sheri
Thanks so much for all the kind comments! Margaret, this is a particularly pretty nest, I must agree. Maybe the 'nestnabbing' (per Dahlia ;-)) did the trick? LOL. Kathy, the oleander hedge is next door, and the gardeners prune it before the seeds mature. I hope you're able to get some seeds.
Sheri, thank you! Your words are much appreciated. I am so very glad that you're along for this wonderful hummingbird adventure :-). Any news on your bluebirds? I seem to recall you mentioned a nest on one of the hummer threads.
Planolinda, I sure hope the hummers nest in your oleander as well! Cactus, I'll also keep an eye on the oleander blooms here for hummers. The do seem to be insect magnets if nothing else, so perhaps that is what is going on.
Willow, I am also wondering if this is the same mom as before. The "pooping mama" appeared to have a preference for nesting in bushes with flexible branches, and the other nests (including this current one) are all in similar positions in trees. It does seem possible.
Mama looks all settled in on her nest. Here is a pic from yesterday:
This is a photo of the tree:
Excellent picture of "mama" in her nest. Better put something on your head if you get too close ;)
LOL. Thanks Cissy! I am worried about the eggs surviving in this high heat. I just checked the forecast and it said it could be 103 degrees today :-(.
I know Sunny :( My poor Annie's Annuals had to be dragged into the shade yesterday...the container ones. Gads, too much. :-(
I know our turn with the heat is coming but I am sure glad it isn't here yet.
great pictures i wish i knew where my hummers were nesting they come back every year bringing babies sooo cute here is my momma hummer.
Good shot!
Awww...what a cute momma, Blond! Thanks for sharing :-).
Cissy, I hope you're hanging in there! My little Annie's Annuals plants are sulking in the shade as well, and some of the other established plants are looking rather crispy. It's popsicle weather, that's for sure. I just got home, and I'm now going to join them, and sulk in the house. LOL. Sheila, we are supposed to have record-breaking heat...luckily we don't have humidity to go along with it. I am not a big fan of the triple digits though. When do your temps really heat up?
I haven't checked on the nest today, and I'm still worried about those little eggs in all this heat.
thank you, the pair i think like the camera some times they were here today but of course no camera. will get them tomorrow.
debi
Blond, GREAT picture! You caught that just right :)
at my house...no A/C. Hit 100 degrees. Annie's are hanging there, but I worry...like a momma LOL.The rest of the week will be cooler but not much. YUCK!