skip to main content

Hummingbird Garden

Strange hummingbird behavior?

18 years ago

Last week at work I found a dead hummingbird outside near a door. The building is all glass so I guess it must have flown into the window. I buried it next to a nearby pond. So today I'm leaving the office, and there's a live hummingbird sitting on the sidewalk right outside a main door. I went over to it and it just sat there. I guessed that it might have hit the window and was dazed, but other possibilities would be that it's sick/starving or perhaps a fledgling just hanging out in a dangerous spot (although I'd think it's a bit late in the season here in MN for that.) Afraid it might get stepped on, I picked it up and it was completely docile, maybe dazed. I carried over by the pond out of traffic, where there are some flowers and trees. It sat in my hand for about 5 minutes, stuck its tongue out a few times, chirped a little and then took off to land on a low treebranch. It seemed more alert by that point, just sitting there, so I left. I just wonder what's going on with these hummingbirds, seems strange that I would find two of them in less than a week. Thoughts, anyone?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gymell
Original Author
18 years ago
Ugh, I see what people mean by links being inserted in the posts. Please note that I do not encourage or endorse anyone visiting such links in my post!
texaspuddyprint
18 years ago
Yes, am assuming the hummie hit a window.

One of my neighbors has a row of windows on his garage door and they reflect the trees and sky too well - birds are always banging into them. I've been out working in my yard and have heard the crash of bird hitting his garage. The last one was a dove that flopped over dazed but got up and flew away before I could cross the street to check it out.

I finally convinced him to put up faux stained glass window film on them so the birds wouldn't fly into them.

I don't guess an office complex would do that. Tricky things those big office windows with those mirror like windows.

~ Cat

DISCLAIMER: I hate those stupid text links that are showing up on our postings. Blame the village idiots!
Related Discussions
Strange BB behavior
Q
Comments (5)
We have pretty much the same thing going on here. They were hanging around the box for days a couple of weeks ago and suddenly disappeared. Then this weekend they had been going in and out of the box, sometimes with grass, but not leaving it. Yesterday it poured and they started putting grass in the box again. Today it was empty. We have a nest cam set up so we haven't been actually opening the box. They keep hanging around but not nest building. At least not here. Wondering if they are still shopping around or trying to throw off possible predators?
...See More
Joshua Tree Seedlings - strange behavior?
Q
Comments (1)
You can very gently remove them,just be very careful not to break seedling. Also might want to make such it does not get burned by sun won't be used to direct sunlight since it has been covered.
...See More
Strange behavior with dad blue bird
Q
Comments (2)
Good afternoon! It is possible that you are simply witnessing territorial display behavior from Mr. Bluebird. Mrs. Bluebird is on the nest, he sees his reflection in the window, and wants the "competing" male out of his territory. I have a flock of 22 BBs that spend all day, every day, at my feeding station throughout the winter. They get along fine, until about March 1st; now the males fight, continuously. Both nest boxes on the property are already claimed, but the homemade "crumble" at the feeder keeps all of them around, so the battles rage on. (I am all the way up in NH)
...See More
Strange behavior for my roses
Q
Comments (7)
Where they sprayed with anything such as neem oil . Is it possible to post a photo of damage either this time or if it should happen again. There are only a few thing that can cause this type of damage. Now to figure out which happened to your roses. 1 - they ran out of water. Were these new last year. Mini's can take forever to put roots down sometimes and it very easy for them to run dry. 2 - A spray was used that burned the leaves. 3 - Root problems as in perhaps they have been kept wet. If it is the roots it will likely happen again. Even borers won't cause your plant to totally defoliate. I have so many types of borers here it drives me crazy. But I'll spare you that rant. Pics are the best way to get help. If you don't know how to post them on here ask and someone will help you. If no camera no problem we well still do the best we can.
...See More
sarahbn
18 years ago
I don't know what the behavior means except it must be a collision with the window. Sarah
gymell
Original Author
18 years ago
I guess the main reason I asked was that I wanted to make sure I didn't move a fledgling away from its parents. I haven't seen any other type of bird in that condition there so I thought it was strange to see the two hummingbirds. Maybe there's something with the color of the glass that is particular to hummingbird vision. Anyway, she was a cute little thing and I felt priviledged to get to hold her and see her take off (wish I would have had my camera!) Hope she makes it and has a good life.

p.s. Please don't visit any links in this post, I didn't put them there.
tera_cunningham_yahoo_com
12 years ago
the bird could have also been in a state called tophor- i hope the bird that was buried was truly dead and not in a state of tophor-they do appear dead in this state... last year a bird was just sitting on a feeder outside my door- when it did not fly away when i opened the door i was concerned and then i pet it and it still did not respond. at one point it was upside down, hanging like a bat, and fell to the ground. i picked it up and took it to a safe spot and it did start to move about 4 hours later and did fly away. i looked it up and found that this does happen sometimes, it is a state similar to hybernation.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Hummingbird or Moth? See Why You Want Clearwings Around

By Pollination Press LLC

These fascinating moths may be helpful pollinators for your garden. Here’s how to coax them your way

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: How to Identify Two Common Woodpeckers

By Habitat Network

Downy and hairy woodpeckers have similar coloration and behavior. But there are two big differences that separate them

LIFE 21 Things Only People Living With Kids Will Understand

By Mitchell Parker

Strange smells, crowded beds, ruined furniture — here’s what cohabiting with little monsters really feels like

MOVING Making a Home Away From Home

By Laura Gaskill

Feeling like a stranger in a strange land? These tips can help ease the transition after a big move

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Great Design Plant: 'Charity' Oregon Grape

Giving nectar to hummingbirds and delicious berries to all, 'Charity' is a four-season garden delight that lives up to its name

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Meet Some Clever and Curious Jays

By Habitat Network

Boisterous jays provide plenty of backyard bird-watching in winter. Here’s how to identify all the varieties and welcome them into your yard

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Those Nutty Nuthatches

By Habitat Network

The North American songbirds, which often perch upside down, make themselves known in the winter landscape

PETS So You're Thinking About Getting a Dog

By Alison Hodgson

Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house

LIFE When Your Tastes Clash: How to Design and Decorate as a Couple

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Want to keep the peace? Work with both of your styles when remodeling, decorating or building new, for a home that feels right to all

LIFE A Therapist’s Guide to Dealing With Conflict at Home

By Mitchell Parker

Piles of laundry and dirty dishes are a part of cohabitating. Here’s how to accept it and move forward

Sponsored

More Discussions

Do you see what I see?

1

Can I entice Hummingbird to feeder located outside 2nd floor window

1