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Hummingbird Garden

More feeders = more hummers

9 years ago

Last year I had two feeders up on my deck this time of year, and got hummers all thru from August thru September. Five were the most I ever saw at one time.

This year I added another feeder early in summer below the deck on the patio. Then about mid August added another two on the deck, and in September another for a total 5 on the deck and 1 below.

Since I put up the last three feeders my deck has been mobbed all day. When I put up the last two I had seen 5 at one time, now a few days later it's at least 7 or 8, but can't count them all.

Also with the 5 feeders, have seen 4 feeders in use at one time. Three in use is common, and occasionally two birds on one feeder.

The new feeders were in use within an hour or so of going up.

Has anyone else had this experience? I'm trying to understand how things work, and now it seems more feeders attract more birds. I know this is the time of year new birds are coming thru all the time, and that could account for the increase in birds, but the timing is so close it's had to resist the idea more feeders= more birds.

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Comments (7)

mehitabel
Original Author
9 years ago
Forgot to say, the 5 feeders are within about a 10 feet radius, some a couple of feet apart, some 7 or 8.
ctnchpr
9 years ago
I think having a suitable habitat is more important than the number of feeders. Hypothetically, you could have 100 feeders in a subdivision with no trees, and not have a single hummer. I only have 5 feeders hung here in the woods, but they're constantly covered up, and I have to refill them to the brim each day.
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mehitabel
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi, ctn. You're right, of course. There's a woods behind my house, so lots of cover. And it's possible they would have come anyway. But still, it's a striking coincidence. Just never had so many at one time.
mbrowne
9 years ago
Mehitabel you're right. You've done the "before and after" and see the results. I've seen that too, and it makes sense that all other factors being equal more food creates a more suitable habitat, withing certain limits. You could test by reducing the number of feeders, but why bother.
mehitabel
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your comment, mbrowne. I'm sure the additional feeders are affecting their behavior as well. Last year, the two feeders were guarded fiercely from a nearby wire. With 5, I'm finding one bird only guards one or two, and allows feeding at the others.

I don't know if you remember my comments about timidity earlier this year--you were surprised. Well, this new mob isn't as timid, either. They'll feed if I stand motionless a few feet away, and tolerate some movement inside the house.

Also I've noticed they may turn their back on me (I guess to shut out the intrusive sight of me :) Fly off only at movement, but even then come right back.

All the extra acitivity is definitely worth the little bit of extra work.
dreamgarden
9 years ago
I have one feeder in the front and two in the back. I will try adding more feeders to see if I get more birds.

Another possible reason why you are seeing more is because of the drought. Perhaps they sense there are fewer resources and are timing their arrival/departure accordingly?

A link that might be useful:

http://www.wildbirdhabitatstore.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:special-report-drought-birds&catid=2&Itemid=195
mehitabel
Original Author
9 years ago
May be too late now in zone 6, dream garden. Very quiet out there the last few days-- I am back down to two birds now.

Do you still have all your August-early September birds?

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