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Post by fouram on May 5, 2006 15:40:35 GMT -8
Finally, I saw my first Hummingbird to-day! No idea what variety it was as the light was not the best (reflection from another apartment block!) but he--(I am assuming the time dictates that it is a he!) was definitely here--I read on another thread that a birder was watching Caliopes at an apple tree--well!!!! just next door --the Mary Street clinic --still has fruiting trees on the property--and I know for a fact that there are apple trees on this small plot--I hope that I will continue to have the visitor, and perhaps a few of his kin?
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Post by fouram on May 5, 2006 16:02:53 GMT -8
I also have a question for all of you very knowledgeable birders, most especially those who watch for and study the Hummingbirds, please tell me--do all hummers perch when they feed? Or, conversely, are there those that won't, or perhaps is that an acquired habit within species? I mean to say --if a perch is available (not necessarily naturally) will all hummers use it?--Thanks for all replies--I am definitely on a learning curve here--and welcome all help--Al
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Post by fouram on May 6, 2006 6:17:21 GMT -8
This morning, at approximately 06:30 I had first, a male Caliope Hummer, then a Rufous Hummer, and then a few minutes later a pair of Caliope's! The second Caliope shooed off the first, and I did indeed notice that the Caliope's (both) perched while sipping nectar, however the Roufus did not! I guess that answers my own question --if there is a perch available. Al
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Post by Gord on May 7, 2006 19:51:39 GMT -8
Nice work on the calliope hummers!!  Good observations on who uses the perches as well. As far as I know, there arent any studies done on who likes them and who doesnt so document what you see! The trends could be interesting. As for them being necessary, I dont think they are as hummers usually feed on the wing. Maybe they dont mind them though! I seem to remember that perches may encourage dominant hummer males to hog the feeder more easily or something. May be wrong on that one. |
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Post by fouram on May 10, 2006 11:44:15 GMT -8
I have a question for any who read this. As you can tell I am relatively new to the "feeder" game. I have been away a few days, and when I returned, I found my feeder was empty, I know that the culprits are sparrows, as they are messy feeders, and toss out all that they are not particulaly looking for as they eat, is there a mix that the Finches prefer and that the sparrows will mostly ignore? (that would be great!) Also I can only assume that the Hummers that came the other few days were "transients" or perhaps only feed here when on their way somewhere else? Have no idea what has happened to them, or why they quit coming, can someone shed some light on this for me--Thank you--Al
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Post by Gord on May 10, 2006 13:03:03 GMT -8
Al, I would suspect the hummers you had were on their way elsewhere and just stopped off to top off the tanks. The calliope hummers most certainly are going to head inland and to higher elevations.
As for the house sparrow problem, that's tough considering your situation where you are trying to minimize seed shells from flying around. If you didnt have that problem, Id suggest feeding more sunflowers in the shell as the finches are more prone to eating those while the house sparrows seem to prefer shelled sunflowers and millet. Jason could have even more ideas.
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Post by Dave on May 10, 2006 15:05:31 GMT -8
Al,
I am in no-wise an expert on bird seed but if possible, hang up a feeder of Niger Seed and try to attract some goldfinches to add some colour!
You never know what else might show up on the Niger Seed feeder either. This morning I had a Black-headed Grosbeak checking out the Niger seed.
As far as I know, the House Sparrows don't eat thistle seed, but I don't have House Sparrows were I live, so I haven't thoroughly tested that either.
Dave
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Post by fouram on May 10, 2006 17:52:14 GMT -8
Thanks so much for the replies! Unfortunately, I went and bought both shelled sunflower and niger, hoping to "dissuade" the house sparrows. however I think with this mix I may have overreached myself--I will keep you posted--AND!!!again! I thank you for your most kind replies--Al
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Post by fouram on May 10, 2006 17:54:27 GMT -8
I have to retract a statement--somewhat--I just had--as I type --a Rufous stop here--after I refreshed the feeder--I will take whatever I can get !!!!!--Al
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Post by fouram on May 10, 2006 18:11:48 GMT -8
Just had what I believe was a female Costa's, can somone help me out?--Back--(what I saw--iridescent green) front--soon as it saw me--it went behind the feeder--came back out and went directly to the nearest feeder to me--(could not see front)!
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Post by Gord on May 15, 2006 12:07:12 GMT -8
Hi Al
Sorry I havnt replied sooner as I would have. I overlooked your recent post on this topic.
I cant think of any reason why a Costa's hummer couldnt be seen in Chilliwack. It's happened before. Hummingbirds are often very very difficult to ID for obvious reasons. Luckily it sounds like you have a active hummer feeder which makes viewing much easier than in the field.
Pay attention to tail shape and the amount of rufous colouring in it. Also pay attention to face pattern and the amount of tan/rufous colour on the body. Males are the easiest and females an excellent challenge. Take good notes of what you see and find good books and other sources on identifying hummers.
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Post by fouram on Jun 6, 2006 18:15:53 GMT -8
Well! at least I am feeling better, somewhat, my Hummer feeder is being visisted (in the absence of Hummers) by my resident Purple Finches! At least not all of the nectar is being wasted just sitting there! However, was really hoping for some resident Hummers:o(--Al
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Post by Gord on Jun 6, 2006 21:43:40 GMT -8
Funny you mention that!
I remember when I lived at home the finches, in this case, house finches, learned about the hummingbird feeder. They would even somehow pull the bee guards out for easier sipping. They made quite a mess and would tip out much of the sugar water. One summer I saw adults teaching their little ones this art.
Since my hummingbird feeder was also rather quiet during the summer, I was happy with the attention.
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Post by fouram on Jan 28, 2007 11:34:15 GMT -8
I am wondering, if the "regular Hummingbird feeding members" have an idea concerning approximately when the "forward echelon" of the different Hummingbirds may begin to show up?--I know I am likely a couple of months "jumping the gun", however I would like to kind of plan my attack regarding making my area attractive to Hummers--Thanks in advance---Al
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Post by Gord on Jan 29, 2007 8:17:16 GMT -8
Al, around the last week of March is probably when to expect the first ones. I seem to have consistant records for the first week of April. They seem to show up on the coast several days before the first one is seen around here.
It's always worthwhile to have a hummer feeder out during the winter, even if half full. Anna's hummingbirds do winter around here and I believe there were several reported in Chilliwack and the surrounds earlier this winter. Out in Victoria is a great place for winter Anna's hummers, possibly because they are slightly warmer than around here? Sort of tough to have a ice free feeder lately though.
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