Winter Hummingbirds
Breidablik
9 years ago
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shillanorth Z4 AB
9 years agoJenn.B
9 years agoRelated Discussions
banding of hummingbirds
Comments (13)The 12 birds were banded in a little over an hour. All of the hummingbirds received a pink dot of liquid paper on their heads as they were banded so we could easily identify a bird that had been banded. This allowed for us to recognize a bird that entered the cage a second time. We were then able to allow the bird to feed without closing the cage. I've already found 4 more birds in my yard that weren't banded: 2 young males, an adult male and an adult female. That's a total of 16 birds in my yard today. Fred banded 4 adult male Ruby-throateds in a yard in Lakeland after mboston's yard. One of those birds was banded in the same yard 6 years ago. That's very rare for any hummingbird, especially a Ruby-throated. Mating season does not begin until the birds are on the breeding grounds. With migration typically beginning in March one would not expect to see any breeding before then. It is assumed that our wintering birds are not our summering bird so we would not expect any breeding behavior to be occurring now. Then again, as I sort of mentioned in part above, perhaps one day we'll learn that some of our wintering birds are full time Florida residents, through banding. Maybe mating could begin before we see northward migrants. I have seen a female on a nest as early as March 27th. Three grams is standard for a resident bird. I believe 2.5 to 3.5 could be expected. They can double their weight to nearly 6 grams before migration and they'll burn that off before they reach their destination. I believe that "migration" is over, at least the long migration. Any birds that show up now have been around and are just moving locally in search of new food sources. Steve in Valrico...See MoreUnusual hummingbird sightings?
Comments (19)Tom - no I have never had one stay but for more than a day or two - as Marcia says that may start soon. This guy showed up Jan. 10 and has been a daily visitor. Then on Feb. 11 saw a 2nd, an immature male and he has visited but only in the late afternoon. I think my resident one may have moved on or at least he is definitely not hanging around throughout the day as he was. A few of my neighbors found out that I had one and they have also put out feeders or at least said they were going on. I don't know if he would move to another house after being here for so long. Anyway, only saw one feeding at noon and only for a few seconds. Its color under the chin was coral - not as deep red as "Hummie" but more than the immature. As I said it was only for a second and it was bright outside so maybe it was him. But he hasn't been around for the long afternoon feeding he used to do. I feel kinda sad. As far as butterflies - not much going on here. Have seen more Sulphurs than anything else. I have tons of Milkweed and even some of my Passionvine made it throught the cold. I have several pots of Parsley, dill and fennel. My poor Pipevine really got hit hard, burnt to a crisp on top. Wild Lime is okay, Rue is struggling. I haven't seen as many Gulf Frits or Monarchs as I usually do throughout the winter. I too have a couple of Eastern Black chrysalis and a couple Giant Swallowtails overwintering. I am sure there are Polydamas underneath the Pipevine. My neighbor found a chrysalis inside her screened porch, attached to the frame of her sliding glass door. Hope we are finished with the cold weather. I am ready for spring!...See MoreWinter Hummingbirds
Comments (8)I'm NW of San Antonio. I started seeing winter hummingbirds in my neighborhood last winter, when several showed up in November 2011. As far as I can tell, there's only one hummer around here this winter. I'm having trouble with bees constantly on the feeder the last few days. I had bee guards, but the bees crawl inside the bee guards, so I took them off. Hopefully, this won't go on long, as it's hard for the hummer to feed! I've never had such a big problem with bees before!...See MoreMahonia x 'Aurthor Menzies'
Comments (12)Likewise, I wouldn't expect mahonias to be the hummingbird magnets they have been claimed to be, I have never seen one at any of mine yet there are plenty of Anna's hummingbirds in the neighborhood - and they were quite noticeable around the grevilleas during their last flush of flowerng. Also: The sparse habit typical of this rather coarse cultivar can be clearly seen in the photo. There are a number of other selections of Mahonia x media on the local market, Heronswood has carried an assortment for years. M. x media does not automatically equate to 'Arthur Menzies'....See MoreOlychick
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