[WOT] A Hummingbird Encounter

[Todd]

I was out irrigating this morning and was doing the berries with the sprayer off of the hose so that it was just a big stream. While I was doing this a hummer flew up and perched next to me. It then flew down to the stream, hovered there and then stuck its feet in the stream. It did this a few times then flew back to its perch.

After resting, or what ever it was doing/thinking, it flew back and did it all again and finally took a drink and buzzed off.

Now, I was moving the hose around during this time and that didn't seem to bother it at all. Plus here was this big thing in a cowboy hat with a smoky cig in its mouth yet it flew within, maybe, 4-6 inches of my hand. Amazing, and made my day.

Todd

PS Have you noticed how many animals seem to "know" the sound of water? We have a lot of lizards and a lot of them come running when water splashes.

 

[Deemy]

I had a butterfly drink a couple drops of coffee out of my hand one time...boy was that cool so I know just how neat your experience was!

 

[Laurie the Mom]

How cool! I set out a hummingbird feeder this year, hoping to attract some. Didn't see a single one all summer....not one!

Laurie

 

[FireDance]

How cool! I set out a hummingbird feeder this year, hoping to attract some. Didn't see a single one all summer....not one!

Laurie

Keep trying Laurie - sometimes they're slow about things. This year has been especially strange. They seem very early for me.

 

[summerthyme]

Laurie- it can be hard to attract them at first, but once you do- you've got them! Ours hover at the window in the spring, sometimes even tapping on it to attract our attention, clearly saying "we're back. Now get our feeders up!"

Try planting red and orange flowers. Ours love poppies (which is odd- they are supposed to prefer deeper trumpet shaped blooms), and lilies and morning glories. But anything red will get their attention, and planting some bright red and orange flowers below your feeders may guide them to you.

Summerthyme

 

[Gingergirl]

I didn't put a feeder out till last week. Every year they come by and check out the large windows. But this is the first year that I have bothered. It only took them 20 minutes to find it. I think the red-orange brick on the main level of the house attracts them to begin with.

We have the green ones here.

Todd,

Our local Wild Birds Inc has misters for the hummers. I've not gone that far. Seems they found yours though.

 

[rhughe13]

A few years back while walking through the garden amongst the morning glories I noticed what I thought was a small bumble bee. But to my amazement, it was the tiniest hummingbird I had ever seen in my life. A baby!

It flew around me like it didn't have a care in the world. I slowly squatted down and snatched a bloom from the MG's, stood up and held it out a bit. The little hummer came right up to it and went in for a drink.

That's my fabulous story!

 

[Gingergirl]

rhughe13,

That is fabulous!

 

[ShepInTheValley]

Todd, and the rest of you... thanks for sharing that. Makes the end of my day settle on a happy note.

 

[MissTina]

I was out in the barn cleaning a few days ago and I'm used to wasps, bees, etc...flying around but I kept hearing this really loud humming buzz and thumping noise. I have 4 skylights and the LARGEST green hummingbird I've ever seen was flying from skylight to skylight trying to get out. I was so worried that it would get hurt. I left the barn hoping it was see me leave and follow suit out the door. It wasn't there when I got back so I hope it made it out safely. I haven't needed to put up any feeder and we've got plenty of hummers. I always have plenty of bright red, orange and pink flowers so they've been happy with those so far. I'm looking for the type of feeder you can attach to a window so I can put it outside the 4 yr. olds bedroom. I love having people who appreciate these stories to share with, thanks you guys!

 

[cipher]

Like jewelry is a treat for the fingers, hummers are like a little treat for the eyes.

They are just flying little gems, so sweet, so exquisite.

It's kind of like God sending me a little gift just to make me happy.

 

[Beetree]

Hummers ARE "EYE CANDY"! I just finished fixing up a batch of hummer food. Talk about candy -- all that sugar! I feel guilty if I have the food more than two days hanging. I heard that old food can kill them. So the new batch is ready for the sun to come up. I use distilled water and heat it just to the point of boiling, then let it cool for a minute and stir in the sugar. 4 measurements of liquid to 1 of sugar. Of course in Fl. the heat causes degradation. Maybe the solution lasts longer in the north. Now to get ready to die or evacuate. Maybe Ivan won't come here. I pray it doesn't come to Fl. The hummers have not evacuated. Maybe that is a sign that it won't come here! P.S. The hummer posts are great! I am jealous of the sighting of the tiny one, and the glory one!

 

[ShepInTheValley]

Beetree, you be safe hon. Our prayers are with you all who are in the path of the hurricane.

I agree, I love sharing and reading about these experiences.

 

[Beetree]

Beetree, you be safe hon. Our prayers are with you all who are in the path of the hurricane.

I agree, I love sharing and reading about these experiences.

Oh thank you so much! I watched the hummers so carefree today. I worry about them stupidly because I know they know how to protect theirselves. But me Bee, am I okay? Should I leave or stay? Am I like the little hummers? Should I do what I feel like doing? I do not want to leave my home. No one wants to pack up their dogs into a little car and leave their home sweet home, not knowing if the road calls them to death in the unknown or staying home means being blown to smithereens. Thank you for your prayers!