First Hummingbird

Discussion in 'Bird' started by marlingardener, Mar 25, 2019.

  1. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Messages:
    11,382
    Likes Received:
    13,393
    Location:
    Central Texas, zone 8
    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!:smt041
     
  2. Loading...

    Similar Threads
    1. marlingardener
      Replies:
      5
      Views:
      602
    2. mart
      Replies:
      7
      Views:
      201,015

  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    29,088
    Likes Received:
    6,277
    Location:
    Scotland
    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?
     
  4. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2006
    Messages:
    18,338
    Likes Received:
    5,156
    Location:
    Southern Ontario zone 5b
    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 :)
     
    marlingardener likes this.
  5. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Messages:
    11,382
    Likes Received:
    13,393
    Location:
    Central Texas, zone 8
    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.
     



    Advertisement
  6. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    29,088
    Likes Received:
    6,277
    Location:
    Scotland
    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.:setf_049: Amazing!!
     
    nitram and carolyn like this.
  7. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,332
    Likes Received:
    4,855
    way cool Jane. hope you see more of them. I am not surprised you have never seen a nest either. they are well camouflaged
     
  8. Kildale

    Kildale Nature's Window

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2009
    Messages:
    3,703
    Likes Received:
    4,887
    Location:
    British Columbia
    Nice to have the hummers back. We have the Anna's year round with the Rufous due anytime now.
     
  9. Lilthisnthat

    Lilthisnthat Seedling

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2019
    Messages:
    101
    Likes Received:
    151
    Location:
    Georgia
    I just cleaned and filled mine as I saw one drop by to make reservations and order his and her evening teas.
     

Share This Page