We had our first hummingbird visit briefly today. It was a ruby throat, and I nearly broke a leg getting a feeder filled with nectar and hung outside. Spring has sprung, and the hummers are coming!
Great news Jane!! We're still waiting for spring here worst luck. It's frosty tonight after a day of rain and high winds. I'm sure it won't be long though before the sun shines and the birds begin gathering nesting materials. Do the Ruby throats nest in your area?
Oh lucky you! I can't wait until the little darlings make it back here ... they are the highlight of my summer! I've been buying more red flowers for them this year, they are gonna love me
Eileen, the ruby throats do nest around here. We've never seen a nest on our property, but I see them come out of the trees along the fence line. Perhaps their nests are just too well hidden! Netty, we have red flowers, but have seen them on pink, white, yellow and definitely on the two feeders we hang.
Actually I'm not surprised that you haven't spotted a nest Jane. I've just read that most hummers build nests anywhere from 10 - 90 feet up in trees and that they are only 1.5 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a large walnut!! They make the nests out of twigs and bits of leaves and use spider silk as threads to bind them together and anchor them to the foundation. They have compact cups with spongy floors and elastic sides that stretch as the young grow. The eggs are only the size of a baked bean. Amazing!!
way cool Jane. hope you see more of them. I am not surprised you have never seen a nest either. they are well camouflaged
I just cleaned and filled mine as I saw one drop by to make reservations and order his and her evening teas.
