We await the arrival of the hummingbirds each spring, tracking their migration to know when to put out the feeders. We have only the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in our area although the occasional Rufous is seen now and then.
By August, our feeders are constantly in use. And they are constantly guarded with many fights over the nectar. It is not uncommon to watch for several minutes and notice that no one gets any food; they are too busy defending and fighting off the other birds. They twirl up together like helicopters and occasionally one will fall to the ground or hit the side of the house.
Don't even think of feeding here!
Who's going to stop me?
Yeah, you and who else?
Soon three birds are in the fray.
This happens over and over again all through August and September. One would think they would be more interested in saving their energy for the long flight soon to come.
14 comments:
Same thing happening here, except there is one male at each of the feeders that won't let anyone else eat at all. One literally sits on the feeder almost all day long and guards it like a little tyrant. It's crazy out there!
Hi there friend, Oh how I love seeing and hearing about the Hummers in your area. I think once we find our final home on the water, near here, we will put out a feeder. We've had so many aggressive birds here that I was always afraid they might kill the Hummers. I've planted flowers that would feed them(of course they all got destroyed in our hail storm this weekend). Thanks for sharing these pictures today!
Hugs, Noreen
They are funny little birds. I am seeing a lot more activity these days. I never get tired of watching them. Wish I was as successful as you in capturing their pictures. The only thing I manage to get is a blur.
Great post!!! I love those feisty little birds. I sit out back and watch them on Mr. Ken's feeders. Sooner or later, it will be on and two of them will be up in the air dog-fighting. I heard somewhere that the term "dog fight" emerged in WWI because the planes looked like two dogs chasing each others' tails. That surely describes the hummingbird battles I see :-)
Sounds much like things around here that have nothing to do with hummingbirds. *sigh
great photos of those hummers!
Neat series and great captures. They wouldn't need half the nectar if they would just learn to share. Mine were late this year but the gang is back and are slurping up 2 quarts a day. Sounds like a bee hive out there.
They are stubborn little boogers...but oh so beautiful. Wonderful captures!
Interesting that this year, we have had not hummingbirds!! I'm unsure why since we've always had them. Maybe they are getting a late start.... And I miss watching them, too!
great shots of these fast, little birds!
xoxo
What fun photos! I don't have a feeder out because we have plenty of blooms right now (I hope.) I see a hummer every day, but I don't know if it's the same one or they're simply not showing up at the same time. It's for darned sure they're not sharing, right?!
I have a deep blue salvia that I detest because it's such a pushy plant and the strong smell gives me a headache. The hummingbirds love it though, so I don't have the heart to yank it all out.
Did hummingbirds originate in the Middle East? Fight Fight Fight!
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
We do have flowering plants on the deck and the hummingbirds visit them as well as the sourwood trees nearby. But they still quabble over the feeder.
My feeders have been busier this year than any other year. I have a picture of 5 sitting and feeding on the feeder! I also have been enjoying a hummingbird nest just off our deck, complete with two babies! Additionally we had a Rufous Hummingbird for a day and a half....wish he had stayed longer.
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