Hummingbird Adventures #8

So many beautiful photos of our hummer friends on the last thread. If you missed any, you should go take a look.

We came from here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/982268/

This is a fun thread, and is intended for people who like hummers, and want to share their experiences with them. You don't have to be a great photographer, I'm not. You just have to have fun!
Hope you enjoy this thread as much as I do.

Walk In Beauty!
SingingWolf

P.S. This photo was taken by Jonothan. We believe it is Sweetie Pie.

Since I wasn't feeling so great yesterday, I let Jonothan use my camera. Here are some of the photos he has taken.
This is not Zoom. We've decided from his actions that it is Trickster. Sticking out his tongue at me! LOL!

Even if this is a blurry photo, it is our Sweetie Pie.

I think Jake took this photo of the Trickster. He was laying on his back on the concrete. They sure do get creative these young people. Trickster was flying at the top of the gh.

Another photo by Jonothan. It's a little blurry, but look just above Zippy's beak.

Zoom makes an appearance, also by Jonothan.
I did mention didn't I, that the hummers were mad at me for letting their feeders go dry? Every photo I took yesterday of the hummers came out blurry. They remember.

Okay, here is where I get to brag. Jonothan, child of my heart, received a score of 97 percent when he applied to the Art Institute of California. He has been accepted as a student. He loves photography.
He has talent. Well you decide. I am biased.
The Trickster.

My girl Zippy, also taken by Jonothan.

Zippy feeding, also taken by Jonothan.

Last one for now, of Zippy, also taken by Jonothan. Isn't she pretty! ^_^
WIB,
SW

Jonothan, congratulations on that high score!! Hopefully you'll be teaching us some tricks on using the camera. You're certainly well on your way with the "hardest to photograph" hummers. You did a great job! SW, you have every right to be proud!!

Sunny, I think your photos were really cute too in the last thread. That's probably a younger Rufous. Even the professionals that I work with say that it's very hard to tell the difference between the Rufous and the Allens' without measuring the tail feathers.

Well done, Jonothan! Another budding photographer in the family.

SW, yes, orioles love grape jelly. Nothing fancy. My feeder has "dimples" in between the nectar ports - just enough of a depression to take a dollop. It will melt in the heat, so the depression is needed. I'll take a picture before I take my back out so you can see it.

ALLRIGHT JONOTHAN!!!! Way to go----congratulations!

Here's the feeder. It's also made so an orange half will fit in the center with the post down the middle, but that usually just draws the house finches to the feeder - they LOVE the fruit and jelly.

KC,
So both hummers, orioles and the finches use the same feeder? That is incredible. I take it that you don't usually put the grape jelly in until after the hummer juice jar is in place? Is that right? I guess it's the orange thing that's throwing me here.
WIB,
SW

Well, the finches butt in where they aren't really supposed to be but, yes, they will eat oranges and steal the jelly from the feeders.

The oriole feeder goes like this: the bottom base (clear part) holds the nectar, the top (orange part) sits on top, the jelly goes in the dimples, the half-orange would sit in the center and the hanging post screws down through the center into the base.

Kaper, my Orioles have refused the jelly and oranges for two years now. Guess they're too spoiled on the sugar water. They usually land on the top of the cane holding the feeder so I even put an orange there-still avoided it.

Finally, my hummers are enjoying the small tabletop fountain on our front deck! I took these pictures through the glass on the front door and laughed the whole time-so cute!

another one

last one.

Thanks for the help with my little mysterious buddy :-).

Way to go Jonothan!!! SW you should be proud indeed.

LOL those are too funny, Duc! My fav is that first one with the water pouring over her...awesome shot!

What a neat way to chronicle the hummers, Duc! The orioles have been digging into the jelly all morning. The hummers don't really like those big globs of purple, but they get over it and they do have another feeder to themselves. Ours don't go for the oranges either, I'm beginning to think it's a myth. We have a short log sitting upright in the garden that DH put a couple of nails in. Periodically, I put oranges halves out for the other birds and they really like them. At night they disappear, of course! LOL

Meant to add: in Costa Rica, everyone put overripe bananas out for the birds and butterflies - apparently some butterflies like really squishy bananas, watermelon, and other fruit. Should check the butterfly forum to see which species like it.

This message was edited May 9, 2009 11:08 AM

That's interesting about the bananas. I tried putting some in the feeder, but didn't get any takers. I also put orange halves on nails for the other birds-nope-no one wanted them. I eat them and they're sweet.

I have a couple friends in San Diego that say their Orioles love the oranges. Doesn't make sense.

Our parrots are funny about fruit, too, Duc. I've read that their vision is so acute (we are practically blind color-wise in comparison) they can determine freshness, etc., just by looking at food sources. Our girls like bananas (which they probably see as blue) that are just past green stage - when they get too ripe, they take one bite, if that. I don't know if other birds are the same. Perhaps we have very discerning orioles! LOL

I'm having camera envy, (as well as camera skill envy) duc.

Love your pics.

DP, I think we could fill a hall with the people who share those "envies"...LOL!!

No kidding , huh??

I was lucky when I got this photo of the Anna's having a disagreement.

Wish the sun had been out for this one.

My proud one!

What fun photos, Duc!

The black-chinned visits once in a while late afternoon/twilight. I've come to recognize his chirp - it's a slow, measured one when he's perched, rather than the chatter we usually hear. He's a bit twitchy though, because I pulled the mini-blinds up so I can see him.

Enjoy that little one Kaper, I believe mine has already moved on along with a few of the Rufous hummers. Oh well, I enjoyed seeing them.

Such entertaining little ones, Duc! I'd love to see one of the black-chinned hummers someday. I'd never even heard of them before this thread, and they look so beautiful in all the pics :-).

Here is hummer nest #5...I can't believe it! The last nest got "stolen," and then we found this nest yesterday, while checking the mail. It's in a shady location and not on the street like the last few.

One more pic of mom

Sunny, I'm so happy for you and your new little find. Mom hummer looks quite comfy in her nest. Sure hope she's able to hatch little ones for you-and for us to see. Congratulations!!

I got this small tabletop fountain for $5 at a garage sale last year and it's sure been perfect for my hummers to enjoy their showers.

Gosh, I'm really sad the one nest was stolen. Happy Mama seems to be happy in the new nest, sunnyg. That is so cool!
duc, I wish I had hummers in the water fall. Wait, I don't have a water fall right now. Never mind! LOL! Yours looks very happy!
I took this photo on the 9th, but life has been happening, and this is the first chance I've had to post it.
Sure sparkles and shines.
More to follow!
WIB,
SW

Great photo of Sweetie Pie!

Profile. ^_^

A bit ruffled looking.

The Trickster!