Exquisite Visitors

I have a number of email addresses and I get a lot of email. Some of it is personal from family and friends but now and then I get something I want to share with others. This is one that delighted me. When I had my home with yard and gardens, I put out hummingbird feeders every year during migration time. I loved watching the tiny creatures flit about my yard and roost in my trees (you had to watch them land or you'd never see them perched on a limb.) Sometimes the males are territorial and will defend their feeding stations from an intruder wanting to feed also. Mighty and ferocious are the aerial battles fought by the exquisite lillipution warriors.
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From: (deleted)
To: (deleted)
Subject: FW: Hummingbird Fly Zone-Amazing
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 22:32:52 -0500


This is something I have never seen before, or ever even heard of. This woman lives in a Hummingbird fly zone. As they migrated, about 20 of them were in her yard. She took the little red dish, filled it with sugar water and this is the result.
The woman is Abagail Alfano of Pine, Louisiana - she has been studying them daily and one morning put the cup from the feeder, with water in it, in her hand; as they had gotten used to her standing by the feeder they came over to her hand. She says in touching they are as light as a feather. Abagail also said, 'if she had known her husband was taking pictures she would have put on makeup.'

Comments: fjb said... I'm so going to try that if they ever get here this year, the winter has been so long and we still have lots of snow. The swallows have usually shown up by now, but so far not a sign. I'm lucky to live at the northern end of a lot of the birds migration path, and every year it's so much fun to watch the humming birds and their babies. Last year we had 10 of the little devils fighting over three feeders. Once the babes started foraging, the number increased to 16. I've managed to figure out how to deal with the wasp problem at the feeders, but am still working on the ants. If anybody out there has some ideas other than wrapping the trunks of the trees with duct tape, and having to replace it every second day, it would be much appreciated. Monday, March 16, 2009 12:15:00 PM Worried American said... Hi, fjb. Good to hear from you. Wasps and ants are a problem with the sugary feeders. The pleasure the tiny visitors bring is worth the hassle of dealing with the unwanted invaders. It is too bad for us that we usually see the hummingbirds only on their migratory treks. If any ever stick around here long enough to nest, I've never seen them do it, nor have I ever seen their babies. That must be a wonderful treat! How great for you. Yes, winter has been bad for our northern neighbors. Ours hasn't been too bad here. We usually have mild winters on the Gulf Coast. We did get a bit of rare snow but it was so little and brief that it was like a holiday for us. We don't like the hazards of ice, though. Too many drivers don't even know how to drive on rain slick pavement, far less drive on ice. Tuesday, March 17, 2009 1:21:00 AM The Future Was Yesterday said... One of our goals this year is to get bird houses built, and set out. We both dearly love to watch birds, but we never before had the room for birdhouses. Your poster asking about wasp control may wish to take a look at this. Note: I have NOT tried any of their solutions yet. Wednesday, March 18, 2009 3:08:00 AM WA: hope you get them up before nesting season. Ofcourse it comes later for your area than down here on the Coast. I think you will enjoy the birds.It is pleasant and relaxing to sit out under a shade tree with a cool drink and watch the birds' interaction. I will bring flb's attention to the wasp tip.