Why Does the Hummingbird Hum
Why Does the Hummingbird Hum?
My Red- Headed Girl would say "because they don't know the words.
(Here is my red headed girl and her brother, Lil bud, with the rufous, black-chinned, and calioipe hummingbirds in the foothills of the blue mountains, spring 2005.)
Maintaining a hummingbird feeder takes time and sugar. (Four parts water, one part Sugar) It isn't necessary to boil the water. I do, however, heat the water in order to mix the sugar well.
It's the itty bitty birds that introduce bacteria to your feeding solution. That is why I wash the feeder and replace the solution every three days; every two days if the temperature is over 90 degrees.
Hummingbirds are awesome little feeding machines. Many people don't realize that the bird only fuels up on sugar water and flower nectar (a form of sucrose) to provide the energy required for the chase of soft-bodied insects, including spiders.
The Cistena Plum tree is a favorite haunt for the hummingbirds in our yard. The compost bins sit behind it and attract a multitude of tiny flies.
While in Sacramento, I helped Red-Headed Girl clean and fill their neglected feeder. Anna's Hummingbirds were there within several hours.
Late in the evening we listened to them chirping in the trees around the house. They chased each other through the branches, their big voices defying their tiny penny-weight bodies. I invite you to listen to one here.
Can you find a hummingbird silhouette in this photo I took while my Red-Headed Girl and I were enjoying the hot summer evening? (It was H.O.T in Central California. Way too H.O.T)
Here's a zoom in to show you its little beak open, chirping with gusto.
Soon all the hummingbirds in my little valley will be heading south, some as far away as Central America. I'm delighted when they stop in my garden to rest and refuel.
In Sacramento, my little Red-Headed Girl may be able to enjoy Anna's Hummingbirds on their patio year round if she keeps the sugar water fresh and the feeder well-maintained.
My Red- Headed Girl would say "because they don't know the words.
(Here is my red headed girl and her brother, Lil bud, with the rufous, black-chinned, and calioipe hummingbirds in the foothills of the blue mountains, spring 2005.)
Maintaining a hummingbird feeder takes time and sugar. (Four parts water, one part Sugar) It isn't necessary to boil the water. I do, however, heat the water in order to mix the sugar well.
It's the itty bitty birds that introduce bacteria to your feeding solution. That is why I wash the feeder and replace the solution every three days; every two days if the temperature is over 90 degrees.
Hummingbirds are awesome little feeding machines. Many people don't realize that the bird only fuels up on sugar water and flower nectar (a form of sucrose) to provide the energy required for the chase of soft-bodied insects, including spiders.
The Cistena Plum tree is a favorite haunt for the hummingbirds in our yard. The compost bins sit behind it and attract a multitude of tiny flies.
While in Sacramento, I helped Red-Headed Girl clean and fill their neglected feeder. Anna's Hummingbirds were there within several hours.
Late in the evening we listened to them chirping in the trees around the house. They chased each other through the branches, their big voices defying their tiny penny-weight bodies. I invite you to listen to one here.
Can you find a hummingbird silhouette in this photo I took while my Red-Headed Girl and I were enjoying the hot summer evening? (It was H.O.T in Central California. Way too H.O.T)
Here's a zoom in to show you its little beak open, chirping with gusto.
Soon all the hummingbirds in my little valley will be heading south, some as far away as Central America. I'm delighted when they stop in my garden to rest and refuel.
In Sacramento, my little Red-Headed Girl may be able to enjoy Anna's Hummingbirds on their patio year round if she keeps the sugar water fresh and the feeder well-maintained.
Comments
I didn't know all of that about hummingbirds, especially the nectar and sugar water as fuel. I've seen a hummingbird out here just twice. Maybe we will have to put a feeder out next year to attract them.
including some self-styled bird-meister who tried to impress me with his credentials.
I let it drop, but I was pretty sure that's what I'd seen. Given the scale of aphids and the size of hummers, I couldn't swear to it, but it was the only thing that made sense. The hummer was intently doing SOMETHING on twigs covered with aphids and no flowers. and aphids are known to secret a sweet fluid, so I figured they must be extra yummy.
(Or are you already back?)
Such a cool pic of the hummingbird in the tree! I don't think I've ever seen one like that...sitting still with its beak open.
Most of mine have headed south. Only about 3 remain.
I am sad.
Great pics.
what a neat post. The photos were excellent. I do not feed the hummingbirds but they frequently buzz outside my kitchen windows.
and, I thought they only ate sugary stuff and nectar. I did not know they ate bugs too!
Cute joke...
and is the red headed girl your daughter ? She's beautiful....
Not for me, for Emma, silly!
I loved this post...and it made me smile when I thought about my late FIL and his hummingbird feeder. It was one of his pure joys late in his life. Thank you for the smile and the info!
Just love to come here and read...always a smile!
Hugs,
Sue
I DID see the little fella, but the close up was so much better! I'm impressed you were able to get these shots at all (they move so quickly).
She is a doll, little RHG of course :).