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Hummingbird Garden Bird Watching

Hummingbird Still hanging around

5 years ago

I hope this Hummingbirds knows when to start heading South with cooler temperatures forecast and October around the corner.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

5 years ago

And not all hummers migrate!! In my area, Anna's are year round residents. My feeders are up year round and it is not unusual to see them at feeders during one of our infrequent snowfalls. I grow all sorts of winter flowering plants that they will feed off of as well. Occasionally we see a few of the other more migratory species (Allen's rufous, etc) that hang around all winter as well.

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Comments (7)

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years ago
Nice video, tmc2009!

I saw a juvenile male hummingbird here in SE coastal MA on October 21, 2016. He hung around my feeder until October 29, 2016 and I didn't see him again.

I asked a well-known ornithologist about this and he gave me a lot of information on late-migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you scroll down to the end of this link

Hummingbird Spring Migration 2016

you can read a quote from him discussing the issue. Bottom line is that the hummer may be genetically programmed to migrate late (or could be injured) but may still be able to migrate safely when she decides to leave.

Claire
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
5 years ago
Wow that video is spectacular. So close, so clear! Thank yo for sharing. I'm sure she will make her way soon. She'll be well fed when she goes.
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Hi terry, That sounds like normal territorial hummer behavior to me, and no, it won't change in the Spring, no matter how many feeders you have. Maybe you can get one of your neighbors on another side or floor of your highrise to hang a feeder out for the others hummers.
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still no hummingbirds!!
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I tried several years ago to attract hummingbirds to my yard, and gave up because I didn't see any visit and neither did anyone else. I live in Baltimore MD, and I've only seen hummers when visiting places out of state. I have asked on facebook of anyone has seen a hummingbird in my area. A friend down the street said she saw one in the evening fly right by her, and another friend said he had to guide one out of his school in the middle of class. I'm not as lucky to come across one. Well, on Father's day we were at the store looking around and my 4 (almost 5) year old daughter saw the hummingbird feeders and asked if we could get one for our yard. It was cheap so I got it for her and I make my own sugar water for them. I use 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. I hung it on the porch and I asked my neighbor to keep look out to see if we get any "visitors" since he's always outside. Earlier this week he said he saw one in the morning come and took a few sips from it and left as quick as it came. Even though my daughter and I didn't see it, it's nice to know we had at least one visit. We got another feeder with perches so they can sit at the feeder instead of hovering over it. Now we can enjoy having two feeders. I also have columbine, lilies, petunias, a big butterly bush and a few other plants they can choose from. I also clean out the feeders everyday when it's hot, because depending on how hot it gets the nectar will go bad and they won't come back if it goes bad. I don't use bleach and I don't like the idea of using bleach, so I use a mild soap detergent and a good rinse after it. So in my area they are around but I have yet to see one myself. They probably are in your area too but you just haven't had the opportunity to see one pay a visit. They probably do visit your yard when you're not looking. My neighborhood is a busy place too. Good luck and I hope you see them soon.
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Does Penny1947 still hang around here?
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Yes, you will mainly find Penny at that other forum. I used to just hang out on this forum, but she kept trying to recruit me over there and I finally went and that is what I do to spend a lot of time over there and occasionally visit here. Its because there is so much more going on over there. No one will be dissappointed if they spend just a little time over there they will be hooked. So "come on down" and enjoy the fun.
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still feeding hummingbird in my yard with snow
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Comments (2)
That's great! Lots of us have hummingbirds winter over, and if you feed 'em, I've found they'll keep coming around. I went years without seeing a hummingbird during the winter months, but in the past few years it has become the norm. It's a shame when things freeze over, but they stick around. I hope it all worked out for you.
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User
5 years ago
I have been wondering about this - I have a big purple salvia ( a non-native tender annual). We have a hummingbird who LOVES this salvia, and comes every day for the nectar. But its the end of September - should I cut down the salvia? I'm afraid its encouraging her to stick around here in the north longer than she should. There's no sign of frost, so the salvia will just keep going, and I'm worried about our bird. Thanks for any advice!
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years ago
Don't cut down the salvia! According to hummingbirds.net/feeders

"When to Take Down the Feeder
Hummingbirds will not delay migration if a feeder is present; they are driven by forces more powerful than hunger. "

Hummingbirds will migrate when the time is right for them. Having food available just allows them to fatten up so they're in good condition to migrate. When the time comes the hummingbird will leave the salvia behind.

Claire
User
5 years ago
Oh thank you both so much, Claire and gardengal! I have been really worried about our girl, but I just didn't know what was the right thing to do. The salvia stays, and I hope she continues to enjoy it (she also likes the impatiens in the window box close by). Thanks again!!!
gyr_falcon
5 years ago
In New Jersey, the hummingbirds should all migrate. Some may be late getting weight up to make the trip, so additional nutrition would help them. Often it is the younger, later hatched, birds. As Claire wrote, feeding availability won't affect migration. Occasionally, a bird will fail to migrate--there may be an illness or disease problem that might not be apparent to observers.

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