Hummingbirds, Nature's Kamaikazes: Information and tips to enjoying them: Part 2

By Melody Rose (melody) October 6, 2007

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As summer fades to fall, we prepare to say goodbye to the hummingbirds for another winter. We will miss their jeweled wings and aerial acrobatics. Our feeders sit empty, cleaned, and waiting for their return in the Spring…..

These tiny travelers leave their nesting grounds here in the USA and Canada, and head for the tropics of Central America every fall, spending the winter where nectar and insects are plentiful, only to make the 600 mile non-stop flight again each spring.

So very little is known about their lives and habits, that a few interested conservationists and researchers have decided to study the lives and migration patterns of the hummingbird. Bill Hilton Jr. is one of those people, and most graciously answered my questions recently here in west KY’s Land Between The Lakes, where he was banding hummingbirds, and educating the public on these winged jewels.

“What plants are best for attracting Hummingbirds?”

Hummingbirds like plants native to the areas that they live in. In most parts of North America,Trumpet Creeper is a favorite. Make sure that you have room for this plant to spread, and that you keep it in check. Trumpet Creeper can be invasive if not watched carefully.

Another choice would be the Coral Honeysuckle. This plant is very well behaved, and easier to control in a garden setting. Another favorite is Bee Balm . It attracts a wide range of wildlife…and hummingbirds like the nectar it produces. It is available in several shades of red, pink, purple or white. Hummingbirds like Columbine, Lobelia, and Jewel Weed also. Some non-natives that hummingbirds will feed from include Cypress Vine, Rose of Sharon, Silk Tree or Mimosa, and Scarlet Sage. These are just suggestions for plants that hummingbirds prefer. Most are native somewhere in the hummingbird’s range, and depending on their cultural needs, most can be grown somewhere in North America.

“ Hummingbirds seem to prefer my feeders rather than the plants that I’ve carefully tended just for them”

Even though a plant may be blooming, little is known about the quality of it’s nectar at different times of the season. There may be subtle differences in the actual cultivars, and what the hummingbirds prefer in the way of taste, or sugar content. It’s actually an unknown area, and although researchers are aware of this preference, they are not sure why they do this. Some years, they seem to prefer the plants over the feeders, and other times, they prefer the feeders over the flowers.

If you are inclined to keep records, Bill would welcome input of your findings at ruby throat.org.

“Where do Ruby-throat hummingbirds go every fall?”

Ruby-throat hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America and southern Mexico. They are not found south of Panama. A large number winter in Costa Rica. They like the drier forests on the western coast. Little is known about their lives there, although they do frequent the large aloe plantations, and love the blooms.

“Do people in Central America and Mexico put up hummingbird feeders?”

As a rule, generally, no. Many of the large resorts have figured it out though….if they put out feeders, they will come in droves….that’s tourists, not hummingbirds. It seems that the hummingbirds are not paying guests, so if some sugar water will bring in hummingbirds, and they in turn, will bring the tourists loaded with dollars, then up the feeders go.

“I’ve seen a strange hummingbird east of the Mississippi River. It wasn’t a Rubythroat. Is it lost?”

As the Great Plains are becoming urbanized, there’s fewer wide open spaces. Gardens are being planted. More feeders are being hung in backyards, and in public green areas. The western species are venturing out of their ranges somewhat, and may appear in gardens, and at feeders in the east.

The Ruby Throat is still the only species that breeds and nests east of the Mississippi River. Several other species have been documented, but they are not permanent residents. It is still valuable information if you have an unknown hummingbird in your garden, many researchers are quite interested. Contact ruby throat.org , and also your fish and wildlife department in your home state. Ask to be put in touch with someone who bands birds. There are only about 100 individuals in North America qualified to band hummingbirds, but they will have this information, and get your sighting in the right hands. If you are able to get a picture of the strange hummingbird, it would help also.

The most likely times that a sighting of an unknown will happen, is in late winter/early spring, or in the late fall after the Ruby Throats have migrated south. If you are diligent enough to maintain a feeder, and keep it clean during those times, you may be rewarded with a sightseeing hummingbird.

The Ruby-throat Hummingbird is a source of inspriation and awe to those who observe it. Bill Hilton Jr. is one of those individuals who delight in passing on his hard-earned tips and knowlege to people who want to aid in hummingbird conservation. We were quite fortunate to have him available to answer these questions, and more. It seems that he happily showered us with so much information, that there was enough material for another article. Stay tuned for the next installment.

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Subject: Sightseeing hummers

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Posted by babbyabby (from Olive Branch, MS) on October 8, 2007 at 9:59 PM:

I live in Olive Branch, MS. In the winter of 2005, I kept a feeder out and sure enough, I had a hummer show up the first part of December. The water in the feeder would freeze over night. I am an early riser and I would go out and check it pretty early every morning. Many mornings, the little hummer would be waiting for me, and would buzz me. I started having another feeder ready, with warm water, and would just swap them out. I finally identified my little visitor as a Rufus. This went on for almost a month before my little friend either left or froze to death. I was so sad, but that was such a heart warming experience to see this tiny little being waiting for me every morning.

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 9, 2007 at 8:31 AM:

It didn't freeze...it was just out looking around. Rufous Hummingbirds are quite hardy and tolerate a great range of temperatures. They eat many bugs as well as the sugar water, so they get along just fine. They have been seen well up into the interior of the country at this time of year as well.

All hummers are solitary birds, not needing a flock or a mate, so it was perfectly content to be a solo visitor.

If one shows up again, either contact your Fish and Wildlife office or rubythroat.org. Sightings such as yours are valuable information and many people out there are interested in it. They may even send someone out to try and band the bird.

Lucky you!

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Posted by dun1kirk (from Berkeley, CA) on October 8, 2007 at 11:56 AM:

Living in Northern California, near San Francisco, my hummrs stay and feed throughout the winter. Some have said, take away the feeders. I'm not so sure!

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 1:29 PM:

Hummers will migrate when they are good and ready, and nothing you can do will convince them to stay. By the same token, if they want to hang around, there's no harm in feeding them. They will stay where the habitat is comfortable, and if your winter garden fits, then consider yourself lucky, and enjoy the show.

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Posted by compostqueen (from Redgranite, WI) on October 11, 2007 at 2:13 PM:

Here, in Zone 4, Central Wisconsin, I keep my feeders up until the end of September.
This summer was very hot and dry, so I was glad to keep my Hummers well fed. They also enjoy annual red salvias and the cardinal climber vine. It's so comical when they hover in front of my windows, as if they are looking in and reminding me to refill the feeders when they're getting low on liquid!

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Posted by garuza (from Fort Lauderdale, FL) on October 12, 2007 at 7:58 PM:

here in southern florida, i haven't seen so far but one humming bird, and he was enjoying the flowers of'the coral plant', people down here call it the firecracker plant. The latin name for this plant is about 6" long. They plant it in the ground, where it becomes a big mess with not a lot of blooms.It's supposed to be planted in a hanging basket, there it will become pendulus and fill with blooms. Where ever a tip touches the ground, it will re-plant itself. In my old Exotica it is called' Russelia equisetiformis The Coral Plant. Both pictures show it in a hanging basket; Blooms are tiny; bright red; looks like the infloresence of the Aloe Sopanaria which are the same shape except orange. On the Aloe I once saw two birds sipping nectar; yellow and black, they were beautiful.

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Posted by scottsmom (from Bath, PA) on October 8, 2007 at 10:55 AM:

We have three feeders placed in our back yard. They really are kamikazis. Two in particular we call Snoopy & the Red Baron. Even though there are three feeders, they constantly zoom around and argue over who gets to use the same one. RE: will they stay? The local paper here, Allentown Morning Call has a great columnist, Sue Kitteck. She says leave the feeders up, the migrating birds will use them and stay strong on their trip!

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 1:34 PM:

In your area, just about all of the birds that you will see after mid-July will be on the move, and migrating from further north. You'll have birds each week, but for the most part, they will not be the same ones. As they go well up into Canada each spring for nesting, you're seeing the Canadian birds on their southern trek now.

Ruby Throats should have all moved south of you by mid-October, but there is a chance of a Rufous showing up if you want to maintain a feeder.

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Posted by scottsmom (from Bath, PA) on October 9, 2007 at 10:51 AM:

Thanks Melody! Am planning to use all the rest of my 'hummer' juice then retire the feeders for the year.

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 9, 2007 at 11:21 AM:

That's what I did. When the sugar water ran out last week, and I'd only had a handful here and there, I took my feeders down and cleaned them. I do have a few plants blooming that they like, so no one will go hungry if they do decide to stop.

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Posted by Happy_1 (from Fort Lauderdale, FL) on October 8, 2007 at 8:22 AM:

I will put up a feeder if you think they will stop. Also, if they stop and have constant food here, would they possible stay?

Thanks,

Hap

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 9:02 AM:

Ft. Lauderdale is one of those gray areas where getting Ruby Throats is hit-or-miss. I have a friend nearby in south east FL who has wonderful gardens with loads of native plants, along with maintaining a feeder in the FL heat. She has yet to see one. She knows that they do come to FL's south east coast, as others nearby have seen them, but she's hummerless so far.

I specifically asked Bill what she she could do to attract hummers to her yard, given everything she was already doing.

He said that the best chance to attract hummers in your area is during spring migration. This would be starting in late Jan/early Feb for FL. Put your feeder out and tie some strips of ribbon or surveyor's tape here and there around the yard. The strips and ribbons will flutter in the breeze, making them easier for hummers to notice. Maintain throughout the month of March unless you get some birds, then sit back and enjoy......but keep those feeders squeaky clean. FL heat will 'turn' sugar water in about 24 hours. Dump and clean with vinegar, not soap. You don't have to fill it completely full.....make up a small amount. 1/4 cup sugar and 1 cup hot water if you want to make fresh each day...if you have room to store it in the fridge....make up a whole pitcher. Just use the same ratio....1 part sugar to 4 parts hot water.

You can do the same right now, as this is fall migration time. My hummers have left for the year and are headed in your direction now. Bill noted that most winter migrating takes place along the northern Gulf Coast, but that they do venture down into FL...along with the ones that have nested there all summer.

All I can say is be persistent. Even though you are not in a nesting area or flight path, some do venture your way. Good luck!

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Posted by Happy_1 (from Fort Lauderdale, FL) on October 8, 2007 at 10:56 AM:

Thanks so much for all the info, I will give it all a try.

Hap

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Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on October 6, 2007 at 9:45 AM:

That's amazing! What a great article and tell Mr. Hilton thanks for all the information.

I can't imagine what it would be like to see them in Costa Rica - maybe someday :)

Dea

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Posted by tommyr2006 (from Poughkeepsie, NY) on October 6, 2007 at 10:08 AM:

They also love Bee balm! I got my first Hummer feeders this year. I'll add that the go poo a LOT and seem to fire it out! LOL! Fun little wonders!

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Posted by jadajoy (from Newport News, VA) on October 6, 2007 at 2:26 PM:

I was surprised that I am already growing some of the plants they love like Bee Balm ,Trumpet Creeper and Mimosa. I dont remember ever seeing one of these but one day something large and fast like a dragonfly flew by my head and surprised me, now I'm wondering if that was a hummer.....ummm. Will be on the lookout :-).

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 6, 2007 at 2:34 PM:

I really enjoyed this article, and thanks for the link, too! Question: How late should we keep our feeders out? Is it time to bring them in now?

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Posted by tommyr2006 (from Poughkeepsie, NY) on October 6, 2007 at 3:50 PM:

Well they seem to be gone here in N.Y. so I took mine all down.

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on October 6, 2007 at 5:13 PM:

Great HB article with lots of (new) interesting info!

Interestingly, I just received an e-mail this week announcing an HB winter banding project for the OH, KY and IN area. Here is the link:

[HYPERLINK@www.tolford.com]

All in the area who have hummingbirds visiting their gardens or who see an unusual HB this winter are welcome to participate and report.

And Mr. Tolford gives suggestions on how to keep your nectar from freezing, which was my first thought, btw!

(And also, if anyone is interested in learning or posting more about gardening for hummingbirds and sharing their observations, DG has a wonderful permanent forum and we would love some new posters!...)
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 6, 2007 at 6:00 PM:

Thanks, Judy! Hummers in winter?? Oh, my--perhaps we should knit little coats, hats and scarves for them! So I should clean and refill the feeder again? I'll check out that link.

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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 6, 2007 at 10:12 PM:

Great article! I found that I was not disciplined enough to keep a hummingbird feeder cleaned and filled, and I didn't want to take the chance on making them sick with stale nectar, so I have planted an entire garden area just for the hummers (but the butterflies seem to love the same garden, too).

I am planting for the hummers under a developing Mimosa grove (though the trees are listed as exotic/invasive in Florida, I love them). I've included several of the plants on your list, as well as some other red flowers - several Jatrophas, Red Passion Vine, Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata 'Jekyll' -- a bit less aggressive than the Trumpet Creeper), and several hibiscus. I was amazed to see hummers visiting flowers low to the ground. I always assumed they stayed at about the height most feeders are hung (around 6 - 7 ft), but I have observed them coming within a foot or so of the ground to feed on Ruellia elegans and Pentas.

The nice part about having a garden for the hummers rather than a feeder is that when they come, they tend to stick around for about 5 minutes to sip at a variety of flowers, instead of just darting in to the feeder for a quick nip and departing soon afterwards.

If you get a chance to ask, and haven't already posed the question, I'm wondering if hummers truly are more attracted to red flowers over other colors? or is this a garden myth?

edited to add -- The flower that first brought the hummers to my yard is the Small Orange Morning Glory (Ipomoea coccinea [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]). These vines are very easy to grow and bloom profusely. They self-seed to the point of being a nuisance in my garden (overtaking the gingers, the bouganvillea, and even the wisteria arbor!), but the hummers sure seem to love them!

Jeremy

This message was edited Oct 6, 2007 10:19 PM

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 7, 2007 at 8:52 AM:

Thanks ya'll for all of the positive comments....this article was so much fun to write.

My hummers are all but gone this week here in west KY....they say that the Ruby Throats should all be gone by Oct 15 here. I've taken down my feeders, but still have a healthy stand of the Ipomoea coccinea that Jeremy mentioned...(it's just as aggressive this far north too)

I'm not disciplined enough to maintain a feeder for the other species that might wander in through the winter, so I'll wait for the Ruby Throats return...for me that's usually the first week of April...they're like clockwork here.

There's a lot of interesting information in the final installment of this series....which should run in a few days...I hope that ya'll enjoy it too.

Incidentally, Bill is leading a tour to Costa Rica this winter to study hummers in their Central American habitat. He's hoping to capture some banded birds down there and learn just where they came from up here....there has never been a banded bird caught in their winter home...just here in North America. The first group is booked...there's one more tour that still has a few spots left.

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Posted by HaroldS (from Glendale, AZ) on October 8, 2007 at 11:34 AM:

"I'll add that the go poo a LOT and seem to fire it out! LOL! " I can attest to that! We had a nest on our patio in a tall pencil cactus and there was poo all over the walls and ceiling even.
We have two feeders and one hummer we call "the boss" who sits nearby and tries to drive away all others from both feeders. May put up another and drive him/her crazy. Our trumpet vine is in full bloom now and they all love it. Salvias too. Harold

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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 8, 2007 at 11:46 AM:

I read somewhere that hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend the feeders from use by other hummers? It seems to me they seem to take turns by coming at different feeding times.

Jeremy

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 12:05 PM:

Or maybe it's just the same one that keeps coming? I can't tell them apart, so who knows?

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 1:42 PM:

Some hummers are just bullies. It's in their nature, just like humans. You'll get one or two that stake out the food source and will defend it aggressively. At other times, you'll have more passive personalities that can co-exist and feed without incident. The bullies have no gender lines....there's aggressive females, as well as males. If you have a real meanie, hang feeder where it cannot be seen from the first feeder. It will cut down on squabbles.

Here in KY, after mid-July, we are getting migrating hummers from further north, our spring birds have already gone, and we are getting the birds that headed up into the northern US and Canada.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 4:26 PM:

Ahhh, good idea! I was gonna hang a second one, but wouldn't have thought of putting it out of sight of the first one. Thanks, Melody!

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 8, 2007 at 5:09 PM:

I just noticed Jeremy's question about colors that hummers are attracted to...they like anything bright. Pink, purple, blue, fuschia and red are the most attractive to them, but they will also investigate yellow and white.

The bright pink surveyor's tape is easy to obtain, and strips of it tied around the garden will lure them in with the motion in the breeze.

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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 8, 2007 at 7:35 PM:

That's really amazing info to learn, Melody! I may give it a try.

Jeremy

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Posted by tommyr2006 (from Poughkeepsie, NY) on October 8, 2007 at 10:04 PM:

Hummers are VERY territorial, I've seen them chase birds away MUCH bigger than them! Even other Hummers! Don't mess with their territory! They are tough little birds!

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 9, 2007 at 12:34 AM:

Is that why they buzz right up to me, just three feet from my face and hover, looking at me for a few seconds before moving on? Trying to intimidate me? Discern whether I am the enemy? LOL Sounds like a hornet approaching from behind, and that is kinda intimidating...

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Posted by tommyr2006 (from Poughkeepsie, NY) on October 9, 2007 at 8:40 AM:

I've stood within 3 feet of my feeders, motionless and had them come to the feeder, they indeed hum, but it's their wings beating. Amazing creatures....

They perch more than I thought they did too.

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 9, 2007 at 9:24 AM:

They are curious little guys and fearless too....they will investigate anything that peaks their interest...I guess they figure that they can get away quick if threatened.

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on October 11, 2007 at 11:14 PM:

I buy Christmas decoration at the after Christmas sales that are red and hang them near the feeders to attract the hummers when they first start migrating. I also read that they eat aphids. I have put some small red ornaments to the wire tomato support to encourage them to the tomato plants. I have my feeder up yet, but my hummers usually leave October 10th. But, this year I think they left about a week earlier. I was out of town, so don't really know when they left.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 11, 2007 at 11:18 PM:

What an excellent idea, birder17--red Christmas ornaments, esp. on the tomatoes! Thanks for sharing that tip.

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 12, 2007 at 8:34 AM:

I use the silk poinsettias sometimes in the spring. You can buy a whole bouquet of them for a buck.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 12, 2007 at 2:57 PM:

Ahhh, that's true, at the dollar stores, right?

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on October 13, 2007 at 4:51 AM:

Here's an idea to try -- [HYPERLINK@www.abigailsings.com]

My father-in-law once had a hummingbird that would sit on his ball cap while my FIL worked in the yard....

I use the red flowers from the dollar store, too. And orange ones for the orioles in springtime. I like the idea of red Christmas ornaments on the tomatoes, too!

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on December 20, 2007 at 10:38 PM:

I still have my ruby throated hummingbird coming to my feeders. One lone hummer. I just appalls me that she is still here. I live 2 hours south of St Louis. She showed up November 19th.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on December 20, 2007 at 10:48 PM:

Wow--we have our feeder still up, but have seen no visitors. How do you keep the liquid from freezing?

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on December 20, 2007 at 10:58 PM:

Well, I did some research because I have never had a hummer this late in the season. I make the syrup 3:1 vs. 4:1. It takes a lower temp to make the syrup freeze, plus it gives the little hummer a little more energy. On really cold nights, we put up a brooder light. It's been really fun watching her. Such a cheerful looking little thing. People came from St Louis to "band" her in Nov.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on December 20, 2007 at 11:17 PM:

Ahh, thanks for the recipe--I will make some tomorrow and put it out, and see if I can find a way to get a light there. How exciting for you!

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on December 31, 2007 at 10:58 PM:

birder--how is your hummingbird? Still around?

Very exciting to have one so late!

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on January 1, 2008 at 1:24 PM:

Tobasco, Yes! She's still here! We can hardly believe it. It's suppose to get down to 15* here the next three nights and highs in the low thirties. She is a ruby throat and looks really healthy and fat. I put out a rotten banana in hopes to draw fruit flies. We have named her "Fiona". Really, can life get better than having a hummingbird sipping syrup on Christmas Day? :)

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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on January 1, 2008 at 3:22 PM:

Interesting this article thread should pop up at this moment. I just had a guest at my job at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens tell me that hummingbirds "hitch a ride" by hiding in the feathers of migrating geese. I didn't find this very believable, but I just smiled and said, "Is that so?!" Anyone else heard this?

Jeremy

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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on January 1, 2008 at 4:05 PM:

Hummingbird Urban Myth #1

Probably one of the most often passed along bit of incorrect information about hummingbirds there is.

Geese migrate at high altitudes, hummers migrate very low. The two do not cross paths, so the hitch-hiking hummers are completely false.

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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on January 1, 2008 at 5:27 PM:

Thanks, Melody, for the clarification. I couldn't imagine that it was true, but am never willing to correct someone unless I'm sure. Next time I hear that, I'll try a polite approach, like... "well, from what I know, that would be difficult because the two birds travel at very different altitudes..."

I greatly appreciate your knowledge!

jeremy

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on January 2, 2008 at 9:34 PM:

birder--can't believe she's still around! You must have a terrific nectar recipe!

Do you know where she spends her nights? You must have a warm little nook somewhere close...Congrats on keeping her alive!

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on January 2, 2008 at 11:33 PM:

toasco--Yes, I think it's amazing she is still alive. Last night the low was 14* and I saw her sipping syrup from my feeder today.. I don't take much credit for her incredible survival. I change her syrup. She must have found a warm place around our brick home.

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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on January 2, 2008 at 11:44 PM:

Amazing! Glad to hear you're taking such good care of her, birder17.

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on January 6, 2008 at 8:04 AM:

birder17, please keep us posted on how she is doing...

btw, did you post your little winter visitor on the gardenweb hummingbird forums too or is that another missouri winter visitor?

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Posted by birder17 (from Jackson, MO) on January 6, 2008 at 8:19 PM:

Yes, that's her ont eh the post.

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