Susan's Hummingbird Gardens

Archive for the ‘Hummingbird Journal and Memories’ Category

Angry hummer testing wings and tail after flying into glass wall, like other birds flying into windows. (Courtesy of... http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauldineen/ galleries/72157622437611374/)

I just came across this terrific article by a university professor concerning birds flying into windows. He wrote about his experience saving a stunned (but presumed dead) hummingbird. It’s written in a humorous, conversational style (most of my college profs weren’t nearly as engaging). An underlying point deals with birds striking windows, or in this case a 4-story tall wall of glass.

I have to admit that I never included hummingbirds in this problem, as evidenced by these three articles in Birds Flying Into Windows.

Check out this professor’s take on this serious problem… and thank him for saving that understandably irrate little hummingbird. Read the rest of this entry »

Notice the title states “her”. The author of this guest video incorrectly describes it as a “hummingbird feeding his/her chicks”. Only the female hummingbird builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the babies.

The males are all flash… but, oh, so very handsome. They can be very brave, too. We had one bold fellow that challenged all bees and wasps and sparrows that dared even approach “his” feeder. Remarkably, he didn’t mind sharing it with other hummingbirds. A true little gentleman!

Anyway, check out this short video of a mother hummingbird feeding her babies… she gave equal time and portions to both of them…

UNBELIEVABLE! Hummingbird feeding babies at nest.

This is a clip taken of a Hummingbird feeding his/her chicks taken by a friend who lives in San Diego. They were lucky enough to have a hummingbird nest built right outside their window! Read the rest of this entry »

Image Courgesy of http://onemoregeneration.org/

The bee hummingbird (aka bumblebee hummingbird) is the world’s smallest living bird.

According to Wikipedia, it is only 5 centimetres/2 inches long and weighs a mere 1.8 grams/0.063 ounces. These tiny creatures are native to Cuba and the nearby Isla de la Juventud (Island of Pines). Although, a few were seen in Texas after recent hurricanes.

Check out this great little article (from a terrific blog)… Read the rest of this entry »

Black-chinned hummingbird

Auntie and I were gossiping and sipping tea in her hummingbird garden. How I loved her English style garden… almost as much as I loved my Auntie Elizabeth!

I don’t know exactly how it started – our companioning. More than likely it was during my visits while a toddler. Among my first memories are of sitting on her lap, blowing dandelion tufts into the breeze.

As I smiled with the memory, she whispered, “Do you hear him? He’s behind me somewhere.”

Looking past her, maybe two feet, was her friend, The Deacon. “Yes, Auntie. He’s just behind you, working his way along the honeysuckle trellis. In just a second, he’ll be along side you. Ok, you should be able to see him now. Why do you call him The Deacon?” Read the rest of this entry »

Wow - What a little beauty!

Just a quick word to let you know what’s coming.

You’ll find articles, videos, and images interspersed with journal-style notes and sightings. Just like you, we welcome return visitors.

By the way… do you know what kind of hummingbird is pictured? Discover what kind he is at Name That Hummingbird. (Hint… look for the Caliope page)

More later…