After seeing the pictures of me holding a hummingbird, some of you may be wondering “Wow, does he have lightening-quick, superhuman speed?!” Although I can can be quick on my toes, the story behind these pictures is not quite THAT phenomenal. (But it’s still a neat tale!)
It all started with our orchard. As a side project, I’ve been tinkering with growing peaches, apples, pears and cherries. It was early spring and I was preparing to spray the orchard with an organic-based insecticide to keep the bugs from enjoying the literal fruits of my labor. I’d parked my tractor outside of our office and ran in to check on things, leaving the door to my tractor cab open. When I returned, this little hummer was flitting around frantically inside, trying to find his way out. (I thought they were attracted to RED objects. My tractor is green. Maybe this guy was colorblind?) I gently followed him with my hand until he tuckered out long enough to land for a few brief seconds and just reached out and slowly grabbed him. When I touched him, it was as if he had gone into a faint, as he just went limp and let me pick him up. I guess he knew what was good for him! After taking a few quick photos, I let him go and he flew up into one of our trees out front. We’ve been keeping a close eye on our feeders and wondering which one might be him!
To attract some fast friends to your garden or yard, try placing multiple hanging and staked feeders in different areas, out of sight of each other. This will limit competition, as hummingbirds can be very territorial. Try mixing it up and placing some in trees in the shade, some staked in your garden near non-red flowers, and some right outside of your window to see which one they like the best!
Briscoe’s Hummingbird Fuel
For a great nectar mix to fill your feeders with, give this a try. Just remember to change the sugary mix weekly though, as it can go bad in the summer heat.
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- 4 Cups Water
Just bring the water to a boil and dissolve the sugar, stirring frequently. Let it cool, and add it to your feeders. Adding red dye isn’t necessary if you have a good, brightly colored red feeder. The dye just adds foreign chemicals to the bird’s diet which can’t be good.