First Hummingbird Siting!

18 years ago

Moved into my house about 2 summers ago -- entire back yard was bare ground. (New development)

Since then I've planted and planted and planted.

Was concerned that due to a lack of big trees/shelter I wouldn't see any hummingbirds, so I took down the feeder.

Yesteray while in the back yard, I finally saw one, perched in the variegated maple, then he/she swooped down and started nectaring off of the orange and yellow "butterflies" gladioli.

Now that the beebalm and cardinal flower is in bloom, I'm hoping that they will stop by more often, and I will put the feeder out to boot!

They are wonderful little creatures.

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Comments (11)

claire_de_luna
18 years ago
Oh, Good for you!!! Now you know that planting and planting and planting brings great rewards. May your numbers increase as you enjoy your new friends.
jenny_in_se_pa
18 years ago
Congratulations! Seems they are on the move and hopefully you'll get more little visitors! :-D
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I have different birds then you. I have Ann's year round. Right now I have a bunch of boys, no nesting likely with this crew. Last year I had a yard full of babies. How can I have all these babies and not adults? I thought maybe I was stealing the neighborhood babies because of my feeders. I found an old log of 'Lady in the Lamp'. This bird had several broods a summer in a lamp. The condition of the nest would be good since it was well sheltered and so she reused it again and again. It dawned on me that I had returning Mom's last year that probable had multiple broods and everyone stuck around for the summer. All those babies were mine! I just bought a couple more feeders as I am hoping for a crowd this spring. I have no hope of ever finding a nest. I saw one in a garden center at Home Depot. It had caution tape wrapped around the bush is the only reason I saw it. The nest was a tiny little bag thrown over a limb. Mom carefully came in the back way. I am content to see the babies come to the feeders. The wild tail contortions it takes them to navigate tells me how new to the wing they are. Here is a link that might be useful: Lady of the lamp.
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The number one plant the hummers go to in my small garden is the old fashioned red Pentas. Your weather is much like mine so this plant will not survive your winter but if you want to draw in the hummers and keep them coming back, I feel this plant will do it. I grow many more of the plants mentioned throughout this thread but if I only had to choose one plant from all mentioned "that works the best for me", it would be Pentas lanceolata (Ruby Red). They bloom continuously and while the plant gets 24-30 inches tall and as wide by years end, it always has open blooms on it, once it begins to bloom. Even the butterflies nectar from it. There is a smaller variety of Pentas sold in many big box stores and nurseries but I tried them one year and the hummers ignored them. I suspect they don't produce much nectar. The suggestion to maintain a feeder is also a good idea. I keep one, cleaned often, hanging from a shepherds hook and the little guys will go to it after they nectar on the flowers. While your garden space seems big right now, a few plants will fill the space quickly. So my suggestion is to choose two or three plants that will give you the most bang for your buck. Another idea is to put a big pot on your patio if you have the room. That will add a bit more growing space. Ruby Red Pentas info Good luck with whatever you choose to plant and have fun planning your new garden. Mary
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catwhiskas
18 years ago
Congrats on your Hummie sighting - may you have many more!
standard65
18 years ago
that's great news about your place. your endeavors are paying off. I bet you have more and more hummingbirds next year.
sasquatch
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, looks like he/she came back again today when I was out in the yard -- saw it nectaring off of a jupiter's beard.

Now I REALLY have to put out the feeder!

I don't want him/her to go hungry!
oubliette
18 years ago
Sounds as if you have started a great garden. So happy that you have a hummer to enjoy.
roberta_nc
18 years ago
Congratulations! I bet more will visit now.
mimidi
18 years ago
.........and Congratulations again on your sighting. Hope you put that feeder back out and that you are not using that red stuff.
sarahbn
18 years ago
That's wonderful! You are so lucky I think Oregon has them all winter. Sarah
sasquatch
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, I boiled up some nectar today, and put it out after it cooled down. It is clear, as I've read on here and elsewhere that the red coloring isn't good for them.

Didn't see any activity today in the yard, so i think i was in the right spot at the right time the past two days. Hopefully if he/she finds the feeder, they'll be back on a regular basis.

When is the nesting season for hummers?
Melissa_NC
18 years ago
Congratulations on your new friends! :) I think it might depend a little on the species as to when nesting season is? I'm sure someone on the west coast will post specifics for you.

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First Hummingbird Siting!

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First Hummingbird Siting!

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