Tangled Branches: Cultivated
happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Hummingbird Update
On cue, just after I posted that I'd not seen any humminbirds in northern Virginia this year, one showed up at the feeder this morning around 7:15.
Speaking of feeders, I wish I could find an attractive and functional hummingbird feeder. I've been using the Droll Yankees Little Flyer for several seasons now, and I'm generally happy with it. Except when I go into a store where they sell those beautiful blown glass feeders that would look so lovely dangling from the oak tree, catching the early morning sunlight. But I've had that kind of feeder before and the only creatures it fed were ants and bees. So I stick with the functional, but not beautiful, one.
Labels: hummingbirds
4 Comments:
I put out a simple, red plastic "humdinger" feeder back in early May and within a few days saw my first hummingbird sipping from it. I was so excited! But I haven't seen one since :( I cannot figure it out.
Julia: I put my hummingbird feeder out in late April this year, and didn't see one at all until the day I wrote this post. I bet yours will be back. I seem to recall reading that they aren't out and about much while they're nesting.
I just looked at your sweet peas, and they're gorgeous! I need to get lessons from you in how to grow them!
I have a red glass feeder that I like a lot, but I hang it from a feeder pole and smear "tanglefoot" around the pole (under the squirrel baffle to keep birds from getting sticky), and that keeps the bugs off. I've heard that the hummers appreciate the feeders where they can perch and rest while eating though...so I may try to form a wire perch on mine.
Lisa: I've noticed the hummers perching on the Droll Yankees feeder - they do seem to appreciate the break from hovering. I suppose that not many of their natural food sources give them the opportunity to just sit and sip.
Post a Comment
<< Tangled Branches: Cultivated, main page