Did you know hummingbirds are the smallest of birds measuring from just under three inches to a little over 5-inches? Yet these petite birds are most fascinating and so exciting to watch as they flit to and fro each summer. One recent rainy day, a tiny hummingbird perched right outside my kitchen window for most of the morning allowing me to get this amazing video.Continue Reading
Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar
One of my favorite summer activities is watching hummingbirds. I wait expectantly for their arrival each spring and set out feeders to attract them to my yard and windows. You can make your own hummingbird nectar with this easy recipe that attracts these fascinating, tiny birds who can fly at speeds greater than 33 miles per hour and flap their wings 720 to 5400 times per minute when hovering. A hummingbird flaps its wings up to 70 times per second and its heart rate can reach 1,260 beats per minute.Continue Reading
Hummingbirds at Feeders
I am always delighted to see the hummingbirds at the feeders. Here is a young, female Ruby-throated hummingbird preparing to land for a treat.Continue Reading
Baltimore Oriole Surprise Visit to the Hummingbird Feeder
Oh, was I excited! I peeked out the window and was I surprised to see a bird on the hummingbird feeder. A brilliant colored bird that I had never seen in real life before. I knew from its plumage it was a Baltimore Oriole. The vivid orange and black bird was stunning. Although they are common in eastern North America’s open woods and backyards during the summer, this migratory bird was a newcomer to my yard.
hummingbirds
What’s Been Happening
Our baby celebrated her 21st birthday with a little help from some of her nieces and nephews.
Flowers from my garden decorated a yellow cake with her favorite Fluffy Chocolate Frosting
Raider creatively arranged the pillow for his snooze on the sofa.
In the spring we contacted our township about a tree at the curb that was in decline. They arrived today to remove it.
The township planted trees in our neighborhood many years ago and sadly some of them are now in need of removal.
I saw what is probably one of the last hummers of the season at the feeder.
And something that makes me very happy…
I got my new-to-me car in the garage!
The past few weeks I have been working diligently downsizing and disposing of things we don’t need.
I have gone through every closet, nook and cranny.
It feels much better already and reminds me of a song from a while back that I loved by Sara Groves and Joel Hanson called Traveling Light.
Well I was doubling over the load on my shoulders
Was a weight I carried with me everyday
Crossing miles of frustrations and rivers a raging
Picking up stones I found along the way
I staggered and I stumbled down
Pathways of trouble
I was hauling those souvenirs of misery
And with each step taken my back was breaking
‘Til I found the One who took it all from me
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Through the darkest alleys and loneliest valleys
I was dragging those heavy chains of doubt and fear
Then with the one word spoken the locks were broken
Now He’s leading me to places
Where there are no tears
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Down by the riverside
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Was a weight I carried with me everyday
Crossing miles of frustrations and rivers a raging
Picking up stones I found along the way
I staggered and I stumbled down
Pathways of trouble
I was hauling those souvenirs of misery
And with each step taken my back was breaking
‘Til I found the One who took it all from me
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Through the darkest alleys and loneliest valleys
I was dragging those heavy chains of doubt and fear
Then with the one word spoken the locks were broken
Now He’s leading me to places
Where there are no tears
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Down by the riverside
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light
Hunkered Down
Tuesday afternoon as I sat on an exam table waiting for the doctor, I watched and felt the room and everything in it shake and move as we experienced an earthquake. I grabbed my cell phone to call Abbey as I knew she was home alone. The message did not go through, apparently because the system was overloaded with people trying to make calls and text.
I stepped into the hall thinking I would get better reception there and the doctor was coming by to see if I was okay. He said everyone had headed outside the building but since I was only half dressed (and not too concerned) I waited there. His office was right across the hall from my room and he let me use the office phone to call Abbey. She was fine and had been trying to call me but even the house phone had no dial tone briefly.
I also called John and he said his office building shook and shook and that the building and those around it were all evacuated. The earthquake lasted just 30-45 seconds, but very unusual for New Jersey.
~*~
Today we are awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Irene
She is big and although currently a category 1 our biggest concern is the amount of rain and the ensuing flooding. August has been the wettest ever August in reported history with more than 16-inches of rain so far this month.
Forecaster are saying we could have 12-13 (some places as much as 15) more inches in the next 18 hours from Irene.
While clearing the porch and the patio of furniture, pots and anything that isn’t secured I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds.
This little lady did less drinking than watching the other hummers that zoomed about her apparently annoyed that they weren’t perched on the feeder.
Wow ~ are they giving each other the evil eye!
Look out! Incoming at 11 o’clock
These two tried to dine together
briefly
You would think they would just drink from another available port but they are far too territorial to share.
~*~
We are expecting to be throttled by Hurricane Irene the most from 2-8am Sunday morning.
The possibility of power outrages is the biggest concern for John.
Our home sits on a four foot crawl space.
We have a sump pump and French drain but without electricity the pump won’t work.
John tried everywhere to get a generator or back-up system for a couple of days, but everything was sold out. I think he will be sleeping lite tonight and listening intently for the happy sound of the sump pump!
Amazing Hummingbirds & Sugar Water Recipe for Feeders
I mentioned several posts ago that we have had an incredible number of hummingbirds this year and I have been snapping away trying to get shots of these very fast, very tiny birds.
Like all hummingbirds, ruby-throats are precision flyers with the ability to fly full out and stop in an instant, hang motionless in midair, and adjust their position up, down, sideways, and backwards with minute control. They dart between nectar sources with fast, straight flights or sit on a small twig keeping a lookout, bill waving back and forth as the bird looks around. Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds aggressively defend flowers and feeders, leading to spectacular chases and dogfights, and occasional jabs with the beak.
~*~
We have three feeders ~ each positioned to be easily seen from inside the house.
One is on the front porch, one right outside the side door and one just outside the kitchen window.
I keep the feeders filled with sugar water that I make by bringing
1 cup of sugar and 4 cups of water
just to a boil so that the sugar is completely dissolved.
When cooled I bring in the feeders, empty and wash them, and refill with the fresh nectar.
The hummers wait for their feeders to be returned so they can again get their fill.
Can you see the hummingbird in this photo?
it is hard to see her…
There she is. The female Ruby-Throated hummer does not have the iridescent red band around the neck as does the male.
Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
2.8–3.5 in
7–9 cm
Wingspan
3.1–4.3 in
8–11 cm
Weight
0.1–0.2 oz
2–6 g
Happy to have the feeder returned, this little bird can barely wait for me to hang it on the hook. See her flying in from the left of the photo, right at the roof edge?
She didn’t land on the feeder while I was holding it but she came very close.
Migration
Medium to long-distance migrant. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America, and most get there by flying across the Gulf of Mexico. Some birds stay in North America along the Gulf Coast and at the tip of Florida; these are usually birds from farther north rather than birds that spent the summer there.
Cool Facts (Source)
- The Ruby-throated Hummingbird beats its wings about 53 times a second.
- The extremely short legs of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird prevent it from walking or hopping. The best it can do is shuffle along a perch. Nevertheless, it scratches its head and neck by raising its foot up and over its wing.
- Scientists place hummingbirds and swifts in the same taxonomic order, the Apodiformes. The name means “without feet,” which is certainly how these birds look most of the time.
- The Ruby-throated Hummingbird does not show a strong preference for any particular color of feeder. Instead, it prefers specific feeder locations.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds prefer to feed on red or orange flowers. Like many birds, they have good color vision and can see into the ultraviolet spectrum, which humans can’t see.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds normally place their nest on a branch of a deciduous or coniferous tree; however, these birds are accustomed to human habitation and have been known to nest on loops of chain, wire, and extension cords.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird. But in terms of area, this species occupies the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird.
- Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds don’t stick around long. Pairs are together long enough for courtship and mating – just a matter of days to weeks. Then he’s off on his own, and may begin migration by early August.
From Wikipedia:
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary. Adults of this species typically only come into contact for the purpose of mating, and both males and females of any age aggressively defend feeding locations within their territory. The aggressiveness becomes most pronounced in late summer to early fall as they fatten up for migration. This is important because, as part of their migration, they must fly across the Gulf of Mexico – a feat which long confounded scientists, as a 500-mile, non-stop flight over water would seemingly require a caloric energy that far exceeds an adult hummingbird’s body weight of 3 grams. However, researchers discovered the tiny birds can nearly double their body mass in preparation for their Gulf crossing. The additional mass, stored as fat, provides enough energy for the birds to achieve this amazing flight.
hummingbirds
More hummers!
I just can’t resist.
I am fascinated.
There is no cure.
♥
This August has been a month of abundant hummingbird activity at our feeders. And they seem a much friendlier group as well. Not wary by our movements and even playful as they zoom right up to me, look directly in my face and then off to the feeder.
The time is approaching when my diminutive feathered friends will be heading south and my feeders will be left quite.
Until then, I will allow my heart to be thrilled by each fleeting visit.
~*~
Joining Susan @A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday!
The Hummingbirds Have Returned
They were scarce last month but they are all back now.
Ever see those amazing photos of swarms of hummingbirds around a single feeder?
Not here. I have rarely seen two birds at a time on our feeders. They fight in mid-air and are very territorial.
Some are wary and zip away at the slightest movement.
Some are friendly and inquisitive and zoom right up to the window and peer at me curiously.
Some at have thin little bodies and some are rather plump.
All give me a thrill no matter how many zillions of times I see them
The past couple of nights I was able to get a few shots of my favorite visitors
All Things Bright And Beautiful
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one;
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows for our play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day;
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander
Music: 17th cent. English melody; arr. by Martin Shaw
Music: 17th cent. English melody; arr. by Martin Shaw
Trumpet Vine and Hummingbirds
Trumpet Vine and Hummingbirds. Where are the Hummers?
We saw the first visitor to the feeder in mid-May but none lately.
Years ago we began planting every bush and plant that was known to attract humming birds to our yard. This trumpet vine has grown quite large and is a beacon to these fascinating birds.
We saw the first visitor to the feeder in mid-May but none lately.
Years ago we began planting every bush and plant that was known to attract humming birds to our yard. This trumpet vine has grown quite large and is a beacon to these fascinating birds.
The trumpets are blooming and the feeders are full but where are the hummers?
If You Grow It They Will Come – Buddleia Bush
My main reason for growing Buddleia (better known as a Butterfly Bush) is not for its appearance but rather because it attracts beautiful, fluttering, butterflies.
I took these pictures yesterday of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The bush was filled with tiny Fritillaries or Skippers (I get them confused) as well but they are small and flit about so that I was unable to get a picture of them.
Some other visitors ~ a Monarch
Do you know what this little guy is?
It is not a hummingbird…
it is a Hummingbird Moth enjoying the nectar of the Butterfly Bush!
Our hummers do visit as well.
It is not a hummingbird…
it is a Hummingbird Moth enjoying the nectar of the Butterfly Bush!
Our hummers do visit as well.
I don’t know its lifespan, but this bush has been in our yard for many years!
The following is an excerpt from Buddleia: Butterfly Bush Extraordinaire by Claire Hagen Dole:
With a name like butterfly bush, you might expect a plant to be attractive to butterflies. In fact, it’s more than attractive; it’s a magnet for all the butterflies who pass through your garden seeking nectar. Many butterfly gardeners plan their garden around Buddleia (pronounced BUD-lee-ah), a genus that includes over 100 species and cultivars. Also called summer lilac, the medium- to large-sized shrubs can anchor a perennial bed or form a hedge. You’ll be happier with Buddleia if you accept its growth habit, which is not neat and tidy. Its narrow branches support lilac-like clusters of blossoms a foot or two in length, with side branches and blossoms. After a rainfall, the flower-laden branches of some species can droop all over your flower bed. You’ll want to allow at least six feet between bushes to keep some semblance of neatness. But wait till you see the bush covered with fritillaries and tortoiseshells! Even a large swallowtail can land on the cluster, to sip from the many individual blooms. Butterflies and bees will flock to the honey-scented blossoms, whose dilute nectar is sweetest in midday sun. Near a path or patio, the shrub provides delightful fragrance for you, too.
Coopers Hawk and Other Backyard Birds
What a surprise to find this feathered fellow perched on the edge of our picnic table on the patio just outside the back door. I think it is an immature Cooper’s Hawk. The bird remained for a long time until it made a swooping dash under a nearby bush as a group of starlings gathered and began diving at it. I was fearful that it was injured and hoped it would survive.
My husband was excited to observe this bird so closely as he loves birds of prey ~ his favorite being the Red-tailed Hawk.
From Wikipedia: Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a medium-sized hawk native to the North American continent and found from Canada to Mexico. As in many birds of prey, the male is smaller than the female. The Birds found east of the Mississippi River tend to be larger on average than the birds found to the west.
You can read more about the Cooper’s Hawk here.
~o0O0o~
I guess he wasn’t injured… two days after I began this post draft, the hawk returned to the edge of the picnic table, about two feet from the back French doors. I noticed because my dog was barking frantically at him on the other side of the glass. The hawk swiveled his head and looked directly at the dog totally unruffled.
(Maybe he is pointing out the patio post that is in need of repair… or the bench that is in need of pressure washing… or the debris that is in need of being removed… or the items on the picnic table that are in need of being spray painted…)
Along with the usual Robin’s, Blue Jays, Purple Finches, Doves, Mockingbirds and Starlings are my favorite birds. This petite female hummingbird returned the day after I set out the feeders.
Along with the usual Robin’s, Blue Jays, Purple Finches, Doves, Mockingbirds and Starlings are my favorite birds. This petite female hummingbird returned the day after I set out the feeders.
Other feeder visitors include the Gold Finch which is the New Jersey State bird (as well as many other states). I didn’t get a picture of them yet this year, so I am sharing one from last year. 