#368006
Apr 13th, 2013 at 10:42 AM
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I thought I had seen another 2013 thread but now I can't find it even using the search button so....
I saw my first hummingbird Tuesday which was April 9th. He had emerald green around his neck.
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I have always seen my first one on April 15th, but it was the 14th last year. I'm all ready for them! Keep looking out the window constantly at the feeders.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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You'd think with the mild winter that they'd show up a little early this year. I was thinking tonight that I didn't wear my big coat this winter.
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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I started seeing them about a month ago,, saw it again today,, I wish I had a camera, I just have my cellphone and I can't grab it and focus in time
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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Emerald green one at my feeder just a few minutes ago,, I've seen green ones before But not one This green it looked like it was made of glitter Just Beautiful!
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Diane, that's the way the one flying around my yard looks. I'll try and get a picture. I can't figure out what kind it is.
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Frogger
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my hummers will not come until the first part of next month. I can't wait----in the mean time, I would LOVE to see pics of others' hummers...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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The 16th has now passed and I haven't seen my hummingbirds.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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They came today!
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Northern Star
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Great news Cindy...they are so beautiful to watch.
~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
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Hey that's the kind I have here Sheri,, Great Picture!
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Looks like mine, too...do the males have a red throat?
Went to visit my dad today and he was sitting on the porch in his wheelchair, patiently waiting for a hummingbird to land at his feeder. He said he saw a hummingbird 3 days ago, and the feeder wasn't out...but the hummer kept flying around where the feeder was last year. So, he got the feeder out and was kinda sad that he hadn't seen his hummingbird again.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Frogger
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Cindy, I am sure the hummers will come back soon so your dad can see them-----
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Cindy, did your birds show up?
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I haven't seen hummingbirds since we had storms and tornado warnings here,, of course now that I have a camera they don't show
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Mine were gone for 2 1/2 weeks but they are back now....but not all three...just two so far. :(
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Hi Iggygal! Glad to see you stopped in!,, Well since we live in the same area maybe the storms had something to do with it? Glad you're seeing your again,,
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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Iggygal Hi---good to see you !!! I have not seen many Hummers of late--that is until last night around 8:15 pm. They were swarming around both feeders as if they were feeding up in preparation to leave for the winter...What surprised me is they were feeding so late at night---
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Frogger
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again last night--from 6 pm on to say 8:30, I saw swarms of Hummers....and yet during the day they are scarce.....strange..
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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mine hasn't come back yet, UNLESS it's while I'm at work
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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Frogger
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Diane, start looking for them really late in the evening--say between 6 & 8:30 pm----that is when mine seem to come out in droves---I have never experienced it like that before...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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my hummers have gone for a while too. They do this every year. They'll be back.
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wellll dang,, I just saw the hummingbird again and forgot to change the water,, it hope it comes back,, I changed the water
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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yea, I have had my feeders down b/c of the severe weather we have been having/were promised. I need to get mine back up as well----perhaps tomororw afternoon--I wish you luck with your hummers.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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I haven't seen any hummingbirds in weeks, until yesterday. There were several at both feeders at 8am when I went to get Lola up. By 8:30 they were gone and I haven't seen any since. Never had a year like this. When they get here in April there are more and more of them all summer until they leave in the fall.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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same here Cindy,, I wonder what is going on,, I haven't seen the one came back since I changed the water, I will continue to change it tho.
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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My hummers were swarming really late at night-----Apparently things are all messed up--- I guess there are going to be new "norms" now...???
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Mine were gone for a few weeks but came back today. Guess they've been on vacation.
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Frogger
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Frogger
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Mine were gone for a few weeks but came back today. Guess they've been on vacation. .... ....
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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The hummingbirds are fighting over the feeders. They just can't take turns.
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Frogger
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The hummingbirds are fighting over the feeders. They just can't take turns. Having that problem here as well.....and I have 2 feeders...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Awesome photo, Sheri! My hummingbirds came back with about a hundred of their friends. I have to fill the feeders twice a day, sometimes 3 times. I had 5 juveniles eating peacefully at the same feeder the other day, but had taken my camera battery out to put in the stupid clock, so didn't get a picture. When I go out to fill the feeders they squeak at me and buzz my head, and as soon as I get the feeder filled and fixing to hang it back up one always lands on it while I'm holding it. They are so precious!
Last edited by afgreyparrot; Jul 29th, 2013 at 11:13 AM. Reason: typos as usual
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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beautiful picture Sheri WOW
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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I usually have lots of hummingbirds, but this year I didn't have as many and I agree, they left for a while but seem to be coming back. These are a couple of pics I took yesterday.
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awesome shots of these beauties
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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wonderful pictures, mj. Thanks so much for sharing them.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Frogger
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Point of interest: for several years my hummingbirds came back around May 5th. They used to leave around October 12, give or take a few days. The week or so before they left they all fed like fiends, with 6 or 8 birds fighting for the 4 feeding stations
Well, the last few days the Hummers here are once again feeding like fiends--all fighting for the 4 stations----good thing is I have 2 feeders----still a LOT of hummingbirds feeding like that is a bit early to my notion.
I do hope this does not mean an early fall and or winter.....
any input on my notions ???
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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California Queen
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California Queen
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It could be that there is less out there for them to forage. Or a neighbor stopped feeding or is on vacation. I think it is way too early for fall behavior even for an early fall.
~Tina Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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My hummers start acting different last year...nothing I did different. This year was even stranger behavior. I don't really have any idea, just think it all is something and the weather is different because of this 'something too'. Just sayin...
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Frogger
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my hummers started coming later last year & left a week early as I remember. I will say this about the feeding habits---I have recently deadheaded a lot of my flowers, so there is less for them to feed on, so Tina may have a point--- I know I sure hope that it is FAR too early for fall
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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California Queen
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California Queen
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I don't put out feeders for mine. I just grow flowers for them. So I really have not studied behavior too closely. And I have hummers all year long. More in summer because some of ours go further south into Mexico. It is times like this that I most miss Thorny, our bird man.
~Tina Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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Frogger
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It is times like this that I most miss Thorny, our bird man. yes I agree completely. I do think I may be friends with him on FB. He has a "different" name right ???
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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California Queen
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California Queen
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Yes, and I see him on Loz's page. But I have not friended him there.
~Tina Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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Frogger
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Yes, and I see him on Loz's page. But I have not friended him there. I checked--We are not "friends" so I must have seen him on someone elses page...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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The hummingbirds are crazy out of control here. When have you ever seen 6 hummingbirds feeding at one time? This feeder is right outside the window where Lola's cage is...she can hear them (they are LOUD little buggers!) and she talks to them in their language...lol
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Frogger
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OH Cindy--I think I would print that shot out large & then frame it---I am sure that is a once in a lifetime photo !!!
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Cindy that is terrific, it has been 2 yrs since I've seen that many hummingbirds at one time. I've always made my own food, 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water...anyway, lately I put it out and by the next day it is cloudy. Why, am I doing something wrong?
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Do you dissolve your sugar in hot water...or boil it? Or just use cold water. I don't know....mine isn't outside long enough to get cloudy. I have refilled them 3 times today. I make mine in a big mixing bowl, 2 cups sugar and put 4 cups very hot water in it, mix it up good with a whisk and when it's cooled I pour it into a big jug and add 4 more cups of water. I keep it in the refrigerator. Then I make another batch and add it to the mix. They went through a 5lb bag of sugar in 5 days. It's weird because I never buy sugar except in the summer. I don't use it for anything except if someone comes to visit they might want sugar in their coffee or tea. A bag of sugar lasts all year until hummingbird season.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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I've had so many hummingbirds at one time that I had people taking pictures because it was so unbelievable, but as I said, the last 2 years they haven't been here like normal. I put mine on the stove top and stir it until all of the sugar dissolves and the water is clear. Usually doesn't boil. I only make enough to fill them and when I need more, I make it again, so it is always fresh. i don't know why it is clouding up.
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That's odd. I wouldn't think it would hurt anything being cloudy. I'm sure the hummingbirds love it just the same.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Frogger
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mine clouds up occasionally...I thought it was either due to the weather or perhaps I had not got my feeder clean enough when I changed the nectar out, that or the birds or bees & ants contaminate it somehow ??? The Hummers do not seem to mind it though--- I only live a several hours from Mary, & I have been having a LOT of Hummers lately too. just today, I had like 9 or 10 hummers areound my one feeder---that has 4 stations on it. It holds about 1 qt of nectar & lasted about 3/4 of the day. I have 2 feeders outside & I keep both going. I dont really know what is going on either, but the Hummers are here full force this year--I have had a lot of trouble keeping them out of my garage as well...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Frogger
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Do you dissolve your sugar in hot water...or boil it? I could swear I got my recipe here on the forum. I take 4 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar. In a pot on the stove, I stir to mix in the sugar, bring it to a boil, boil for one minute, then let cool before putting it in the feeders, or before storing it in the fridge. Last time I made a double batch, they were eating it so fast.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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Do you dissolve your sugar in hot water...or boil it? I could swear I got my recipe here on the forum. I take 4 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar. In a pot on the stove, I stir to mix in the sugar, bring it to a boil, boil for one minute, then let cool before putting it in the feeders, or before storing it in the fridge. Last time I made a double batch, they were eating it so fast. I do mine the exact same way Carol
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Just blame the cloudiness on the barometric pressure. I blame everything on the barometric pressure. Hair doesn't look right? Barometric pressure! Sinuses acting up? Barometric pressure. Dog bites mailman? Barometric pressure. Hummingbird food cloudy? Barometric pressure.
Last edited by afgreyparrot; Aug 2nd, 2013 at 10:07 PM. Reason: typos as usual
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Frogger
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________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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I haven't changed my "formula" at all, so I think the fact that they aren't here as before has to do just with the fact that things come and go and come back again. It seems as I get older I do learn nothing is always great or always terrible and life is ups and downs and back ups again. Anyway, without being too melodramatic, I've also been told that the hummers usually nest during June so they taper off, sitting on nest, but in the past I think I had so many, I didn't really notice. They say around here that they nest in June, come back off nest with little ones July, get really heavy August and into Sept, feeding to leave out Oct, I think.
Well today I can gladly report they are swarming, most I've seen all year. I can see them out a window at the end of my bed in the mornings hovering around the place where their feeder should be...I have to take them in every night because I have coons that will drink the food and empty them every night. So, I see them hover, because they know their feeders are usually there. I get right out of bed and that is the first thing I do, put the feeders out, so I can watch from bed while I drink my coffee. Often times, I will be hanging the feeder and they are swarming me. I have even stopped and been real still and they will sit on the feeder while I am holding it and eat for a minute or two. Really cool.
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I have even stopped and been real still and they will sit on the feeder while I am holding it and eat for a minute or two. Really cool.
that would be awesome!!!!!!
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Frogger
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I have even stopped and been real still and they will sit on the feeder while I am holding it and eat for a minute or two. Really cool.
that would be awesome!!!!!! \ Diane, I was just thinking that as I read her post----
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Often times, I will be hanging the feeder and they are swarming me. I have even stopped and been real still and they will sit on the feeder while I am holding it and eat for a minute or two. Really cool. Mine do that, too...can't even get the feeder hung up before they are on it. It makes me really nervous when I am filling the feeders, because they swarm me so bad several times one has gotten caught in my hair. I'm afraid one will get in my hair and hurt itself, so I try to remember to put my hair down the back of my shirt when I fill the feeders.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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PS...I put this on facebook but don't think I put it here for my friends who don't do facebook. It's a video of a hummingbird trying to figure out which hole the food is in...at an empty feeder. (Don't worry...it didn't starve very long...I filled the feeder as soon as I took the video). Hungry Hummingbird Video
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Cindy- first thing, that hummingbird video is really cool, comical too. I looked at your others and love your cats...I've always been a cat person, so really enjoyed them.
Thanks for that!
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I just bought this new contraption to keep ants off my hummingbird feeders. Has anyone used these before? I've only had them out since yesterday and so far no ants which is a record. Think they might work? I hope so...here is a pic. Also, got this shot of a hummer, so glad I have hummers, but Cindy you are sooo lucky to have so many to watch!
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Oh, also, I think why my hummers will light on the perch to feed as I hang it, is because they are so used to seeing me bring it out every morning. They hover around the hangers and wait and when I get outside with the feeders, they are impatient little boogers and just don't wait for me to hang them up. If Cindy is filling hers up 2 and 3 times a day, they are used to seeing her with it. Just sayin....
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I haven't seen that ant contraption thing before, but I don't get out much...especially to stores. I can't see from the picture how it works. Does it just confuse the hell out of them then they go away? I have had ants so bad...finally got rid of them by spraying Pam cooking spray on my poles that hang down from the gutters that I put my feeders on. Now my big problem is hornets. There are black and white hornets out there all the time. When I have to put more food in it scares me to death, because I am very allergic to bee stings. I have an epi-pen handy, but would still have to go to the hospital. Guess there's nothing I can do about those.
A little hummingbird was right at my neck this morning and out of reflex I almost smacked it, thinking it was a hornet. I'm so glad I didn't. If I hurt one of those little birds I would feel so bad.
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Oh my goodness, yes I know you would feel bad as would any of us! But if you are allergic to bee stings you better be careful. Don't wear perfume or bright colors when putting out your food. I find that the bee's and such are more attracted to me in brighter clothing and perfume brings them on too. Yes, I think it might confuse them...the top is like an upside down cup and hanging out of the middle of it is that plate looking thing. I'm sure if one of them ever finds the way, the rest will follow. Something like that show..." build it and they will come" !
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A Gnome's Best Friend
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yes those ant guards do work, awesome pictures Mary! It looks so relaxing there at the lake.
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Frogger
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mj---I have one of those ant guards, but I thought we were supposed to hang it with the open part upright & filled with water ???---did yours come with instructions ?? mine did not, so I could well be mistaken. I have a big swam of hummingbirds--I have bene filling the 2 qabout teice a day---and the Hummers will fly close to me, but not real close---
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Carol, mine did not come with instructions, but I'm sure I looked at the picture, I think. Now I'm not sure?? Well if it doesn't continue working like this, I will try it your way! Diane, yes it is nice here, but so far away from my kids and grandkids, I would rather be with them than here without them...but I am grateful for my surroundings. Carol I will try to find a picture of those ant gaurds on line and get back to you on it. I'm probably totally wrong in how I hung them. I bet the ants are sitting on the deck laughing their little antenna's off!
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Carol, I did find my ant quard on line and the picture shows it hanging just like I have mine, but I also find some that are a little different from mine that you hang upside down and put water in. Not sure if I have misinterpreted the picture or not and I can't show it to you because all of a sudden I can't get into my photo bucket account. Which is very aggravating. I asked for help on another account and I think they are confused. Oh well, not sure if I can post a link to the website with my ant gaurd on it here or not, so I won't, but will get back to you when I can access my photobucket account. Good night to all...
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You can post the link. I might want to order a few if they aren't too expensive.
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Frogger
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Thanks mj---now I am going to have to hunt down my ant guard----a person should never move when they are say over 50. I can tell you where something was when we lived "out at the farm", but I can't tell you where it is here, or even if I kept the item...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Here's the link to the one I bought...it is 5.39 on this website, but mine was 4.99 at an Ace Hardware and it is red...it works great so far...this is really good night now. Got up to let the dog out and thought I would check on everyone, you guys are honestly like that energy bunny that never stops. I'm going back to bed. Goodnight Irene! http://www.petmountain.com/show_pro...m_term=11442-520770&utm_campaign=PPC
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thanks for the link--Yep, it looks like yours goes in the direction--
I was looking around--I LOVE the 30 oz feedeer--gonna buy one....or 2..LOL
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I see how it works. It has insecticide in it. That would keep it dry and the ants never make it to the feeder.
I have tried spraying ant spray on the pole, but the rain just washes it off, and it freaked me out thinking it would drip down onto the feeder and hurt my hummingbirds.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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I see how it works. It has insecticide in it. That would keep it dry and the ants never make it to the feeder.
. \ yes I saw that--I guess next year I will need to buy a few of that kind.
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wow, it has insecticide in it??? I didn't even notice that, probably would not have bought. I guess it is ok because of the way it can't get wet and drip down. I read that you shouldn't put anything on the feeders, pole or where you hang it, such as vaseline or whatever to stop the ants...wow, did not notice it had insecticide in it. I think I need to be a little more observant! Makes me wonder, what did I feed my husband for dinner last night...Hmmmmm?
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.wow, did not notice it had insecticide in it. I think I need to be a little more observant! Makes me wonder, what did I feed my husband for dinner last night...Hmmmmm? ******* I don't buy from perky pets because they advertise with red food dye in their sugar water. On facebook I post that to their ads every time I see it. They DO have good deals on their products but it's just a personal thing for me. I can't imagine a company that is dedicated to HB's would also think it's okay to add red dye to the water,
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the red dye thing is why I began making my own nectar---
it is a good price on the feeder though
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Absolutely...I started making my own hummingbird food because of the red dye thing, even before I had read alot about the whole hummingbird thing. I hope the ant detractor I have is ok. I will keep a close watch, not sure if I would know if anything is wrong...
I also hear people talk about things like, you have to give extra sugar during june while they nest...BUT everything I read says that hurts their kidneys and liver. SO I THINK you need to read info from all sources and figure it out...what do you think?
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I looked and I looked & I could not find any reference to feeding nesting Hummingbirds. Sorry---
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________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Thanks Cindy--They are not as good as yours, but hey, I tried..... Thanks to you too, Diane. They stopped for a bit after I filled the feeder back up..
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Way cool...lots of hummingbirds means we must be doing SOMETHING RIGHT!
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Way cool...lots of hummingbirds means we must be doing SOMETHING RIGHT! yep, I was thinking that too !!! YAY for us !!!
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Neat Junie. It seems they're active every where lately.
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Fantastic pictures, Carol! I am always so envious of people who have so many at their feeders. While I have several here, they do not allow more than 1 at the feeder at a time!
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There were a lot more swarming than what I caught on camera...this is certainly a banner year for Hummingbirds, that's for sure.
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Nice...this year we have hardly any.
~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
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Nice...this year we have hardly any. Probably because they are all here in the U.S.
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I have a new bunch of babies out there this morning at the feeders. Go through a bag of sugar every 3 days at this point. I'm glad sugar is cheap!
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I have a new bunch of babies out there this morning at the feeders. Go through a bag of sugar every 3 days at this point. I'm glad sugar is cheap! I had to go buy more sugar too, it was on sale for 99cents for a 4lb bag I got 4 bags that should last a while since I only have one HB,
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I filled up my feeders right before we left, and of course when we got home they were empty---I had enough nectar in the fridge to fill them up fresh & then I made new, so it had time to cool....They came swarming back...They are even feeding in the rain-- I see no babies though---
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I read in my Birds and Blooms Magazines that we should hang out a new feeder in a brand new place so the baby hummingbirds can eat because the older birds will run them away from the common feeder.
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I read in my Birds and Blooms Magazines that we should hang out a new feeder in a brand new place so the baby hummingbirds can eat because the older birds will run them away from the common feeder. OH well then----I love it that I have a new excuse to get a new feeder, and I saw one that I liked here on mj's link awhile back...
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mj1957 a new member Her name is Mary, mj is just her initials. She is a cool lady that has jumped in here, and is a perfect fit . So glad she's here
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found mj and the link. Thanks.
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I have a green one and a baby one but they are so darn quick I can't get them on camera yet
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Cool pic. Mine are so active. They've never been like this. They're are a few at each feeder almost all day long and even for a while after dark. Could it be because this year it hasn't been so hot and they take a heat break during the day if the temps are high?
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Diane, that is a great picture. You were lucky to capture it.
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I have three that come by mine, 2 adults 1 grey, 1 green and a baby that looks black and green hard to get a pic of the baby, he is a fast little booger but hardly ever at the same time are they at the feeder, it's like they graciously take turns
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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OK it's been so long since I've posted a picture on here I've forgotten how :( Can someone help me?
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Frogger
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HI Iggy--great to see you-- to post photos we here use a server.. like photobucket--it's free...
to get detailed directions go to:
.......... New Members then to ...Your Member Benefits then click on Posting Photos
//www.agardenersforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/297514/Posting_photos.html#Post297514
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OK, let's see if this worked or not ;) I really just wanted to put the picture in w/o following a link...can I not do that?
Last edited by afgreyparrot; Aug 21st, 2013 at 11:28 PM. Reason: fixed link
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you need to copy/paste the img line.. try again,
and then come down to the Coffee House, in Banter Hall, to see the rest of us. :wink:
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beautiful pictures Iggygal,, if you click on the picture in photobucket on the right side of the page is a grey box - click on the image line, it will automatically copy then right click and Paste into your post here for the picture be to seen with out the link, :wink:
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Beautiful pictures! (I fixed the link for you...)
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These pictures are beautiful.
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[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Has anyone else noticed their hummingbirds are slacking off? about 5 days ago all of a sudden there were half as many as usual.
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Hasn't happened at my house yet. They are hanging around here all day every day. I put out another feeder because I read to do that for the babies but the adults have taken it over 2.
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Frogger
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yes Cindy, I have. I had to fill both my feeders at least 1 time a day if not 2--now the last few have been going for a few days between fillings...
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I've got plenty at my feeder,, now they fight all the time the boys and I watch two adults fighting each other the baby swoops in and gets a drink while the adults are fighting
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I laughed when I heard that, Diane---I would love to watch that. So glad you are sharing these types of experiences with the boys--you are a good grandmother-- :wink: last night I bought a new type of hummingbird feeder. glass bottle & a type of base that comes apart for excellent cleaning. I know it is late in the season, but I thought this way I would have it all ready for when next spring comes around. Now if the glass portion of my current feeders fits, I will be ever so happy.---I will have replacements...YAY !!
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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I bought a new feeder the other day, too! This one is 32 ounces and has a built in ant moat at the top. Gotta get a picture of it...I don't know why all hummingbird feeders aren't made like this.
I still have plenty left, probably about 20-25. Used to fill the feeders sometimes 3 times a day, now once a day on the big one and the smaller ones 2 times a day.
Lola loves the fighting and 'squeaking' noises. When they fight outside her window she starts squeaking like a hummingbird real loud.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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The feeder I bought looks like it has a vinegar bottle on it---a 32 oz vinegar bottle-- ...so I hope I can get a cleaning mop in it to clean the bottle, ...I saw a nicer one on e-bay that has a wide jar to it, but the jar is plastic--when the first one gets here, I may go ahead & buy the second one & then we shall see. Cindy, that does sound nice---I had to buy 2 ant traps--they are hand made copper & you put oil in them, so we shall see about that too. BUt the feeders themselves are supposed to be wasp & bee proof... when mine gets here I will take a photo of it too...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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A Gnome's Best Friend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30,001 |
I had a glass feeder but stopped using it because it got the water to hot, I thought it was going to boil it lately I've changed the water not because it needed it , but because it's so darn hot here I didn't want the HB to have to drink such hot water even in a plastic feeder. When I emptied the water I thought OMG this water is so hot!. I told one of the boys to take the water hose and spray it into the air high up around the trees, and birds( mostly cardinals blue jays and HB were flying thru the water spray,
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
Junie, i used to have those hard to clean feeders...a few years ago i threw them all away and bought the ones with the wide mouth, very easy to clean. Hey...i made an ant moat for one of my feeders yesterday out of the top of a can of Pam..the plastic cover. Just drilled a hole in the middle, put a coat hanger piece through the hole, bent the ends down to hook to the feeder and the hanger...then filled the outside part with water! I told one of the boys to take the water hose and spray it into the air high up around the trees, and birds( mostly cardinals blue jays and HB were flying thru the water spray, clap When Brennan was little we would go out and put the hose on 'mist" and watch the hummingbirds having a good time playing in it. I sure miss him...
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
Sadly, Cindy--when I got my new feeder a few datys ago the container looks much like a vinegar bottle. BUT the red base comes apart into 2 p[ieces & yo can clean it really well...luckily my old glass containers fit this base too. I was going to order another base, but I got to thinking they may well come out with something new, so I will wait until next spring to get another new base... Sorry you miss Brennan. I am afraid I will all too soon know waht that is like. Valarie now lives 2-1/2 hours away from me. That is quite ingenious about the ant moat---good going--did you think of that all on your own or is it from Pinterest or s someplace ???
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
I saw something similar homemade a few years ago on the internet, and when I took that lid off the new can of Pam the other day I thought "Instant Ant Moat"! Yeah, it looks pretty redneck but it works...
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
who cares if it looks like that---it works & that is good in MY book.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
BAMM!!!! Two days ago, no hummingbirds at all. Yesterday one was here most of the day. Today there have been none.
Neighbor said his was the same way...2 days ago none and no more since.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737 Likes: 31
Patriot
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OP
Patriot
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737 Likes: 31 |
Cindy, do you think a neighbor has put up a new feeder or maybe they've found some new flowers?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
This is a strange year---could be yours have left already ???
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
After a week of over 90 degree heat it got really cool here the last few days, 70's during the day and low 40's at night. I think they are headed south.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
I think you are right. I guess that crazy feeding frenzy they were doing was in preparation to fly south--but it was so early I didnt think it was that already. Mine are usually here until the first week of October. I so hope this does not mean an early winter....
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
last night & today I saw 2 hummers----so they are not ALL gone---Nectar sure lasts longer now a days...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737 Likes: 31
Patriot
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OP
Patriot
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737 Likes: 31 |
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
alrighty then-----
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
I had a hummingbird at one of my feeders today. It was the skinniest hummingbird I have ever seen. I'm so glad it found my feeder, and I hope it makes the trip south OK. Maybe it will stop at Bestofour's!
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
yea--maybe you could give him her address Cindy---so he could find her house easier. Poor Guy...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
Got up super early this morning and there were a bunch of hummingbirds at the feeders. By 8am they were gone, and didn't see anymore all day. Strange.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
an that could well be---I see 2 or 3..but mainly they just sit on the tomato cage that is near the feeder.---This is surely THE strangest year indeed...
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
Bees have taken over my Feeders now--started that today---so I was going to take them down, but my DH said that since we need to keep the bees around this earth, to let them eat as well---so I left the feeder up. (down to one feeder now a days) Well, this evening there was quite a few dead bees in the feeder, floating, (one of the flowers is missing) so tomorrow I will take it down & clean them both & be done with the season. No sense in killing the bees in the name of feeding them. There are only 1 or 2 hummers left around anyway & the bees were not letting them feed, so nothing lost here if I do take them down a bit early--hopefully the people down the road still have their feeders up.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1
Official Problem Child!
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Official Problem Child!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,384 Likes: 1 |
My problem all summer has been wasps and hornets and ants at the feeders. My hummingbirds are back now...or a new batch of them are stopping here to eat. I have many again. Cleaned and refilled the feeders yesterday.
[ Linked Image] ~Cinja~You're not really drunk until you're speaking fluent Ozzy Osbourne.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 2
Mr. James The Gnome Wrangler
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Mr. James The Gnome Wrangler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 2 |
That's all I had all season where wasps and bee's so I just didn't bother with it; I figured that the mass amount of roses and other flowers should be sufficient for the bees but evidently I was wrong lol
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027 Likes: 9
California Queen
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California Queen
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027 Likes: 9 |
And this is why I grow a lot of hummer friendly flowers and don't do feeders. The natural nectar is much better for the birds and for the bees too. And I am lucky in that I have some blooming all year long for the year round critters.
~Tina Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
yes I think you may have a point--but all of my flowers are done blooming now a days--- I did buy a different type of feeder for next year--the bees cannot get into it, and it will be easier to clean also--so that will be good.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787 Likes: 33 |
today as I was washing the dishes, & looking out my kitchen windows I saw a Hummingbird on some of my later blooming flowers----So, I guess ALL the hummers have not left here after all.
________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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