Saw my first hummingbird ever!

[CrazyBirdChick]

I just walked outside and saw something buzzing about from the corner of my eye. I thought it was a big ol big! Like a ciceda or something. But then I got a better glipse and realized it was an actual hummingbird. I only saw it for like 20 seconds and then it dissapeared into the tree so I couldn't get a pic. I can't believe how small they are! Wow! Made my day! I had no idea they were around here. Now I'm tempted to buy a hummingbird feeder

 

[Zara]

Cool! I hope he comes back! A feeder is a great idea. I think @Mizzely has one

 

[Mizzely]

Cool! I hope he comes back! A feeder is a great idea. I think @Mizzely has one

I do! Didn't get it put up this year though as I knew I wouldn't have time to maintain it. This is the one I have

 

[Fuzzy]

Wow - how exciting!! Hope you do get a humming bird feeder, then you can take photos for the rest of us who have never seen one!

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I'll have to look up more info on hummingbird feeders. I have no idea about any of it! That's a very cute one you have Shawna.

If I ever get a pic I'll definitely share it! Googling a little more about them August is peak season to see one in Chicago. Who knew!

 

[Shezbug]

How lovely, such a special treat to see in your own yard!
I hope you do get the feeder and manage to snap a few pics.

 

[faislaq]

How neat!

 

[Farlie]

I, to, just saw a hummingbird looking around my balcony. Unfortunately, the management doesn't allow feeders out on our balconies.

 

[faislaq]

I, to, just saw a hummingbird looking around my balcony. Unfortunately, the management doesn't allow feeders out on our balconies.

Could you place one like @Mizzely's in a flower pot & lose the hanger? It sure looks like a regular ol' pretty flower to me!

 

[Peachfaced]

I have two feeders now to keep the fighting at bay. One is hanging from a tree, and the other is on a shepherd's hook. The style that Mizzely posted is the one I prefer. The first one I got has like 20 pieces when you take it completely apart and it's a pain in the butt to clean properly.

Be sure to make yourself (or purchase) an ant guard. I had a lot of trouble recently and finally rigged up some ugly ant guards. I used some emptied applesauce cups and stainless steel wire.

Windows are splotchy because it's been raining for 3 days, but you can see my ant guard.

 

[Farlie]

Could you place one like @Mizzely's in a flower pot & lose the hanger? It sure looks like a regular ol' pretty flower to me!

LOL It's really not worth it. The hassle and all. Also they have a 3 strike policy and then you're evicted.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I have two feeders now to keep the fighting at bay. One is hanging from a tree, and the other is on a shepherd's hook. The style that Mizzely posted is the one I prefer. The first one I got has like 20 pieces when you take it completely apart and it's a pain in the butt to clean properly.

Be sure to make yourself (or purchase) an ant guard. I had a lot of trouble recently and finally rigged up some ugly ant guards. I used some emptied applesauce cups and stainless steel wire.

Windows are splotchy because it's been raining for 3 days, but you can see my ant guard.



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Neat! Thanks for the pic! You get so many there are fights over the feeder? Do you make your own nectar?

 

[Rain Bow]

I just walked outside and saw something buzzing about from the corner of my eye. I thought it was a big ol big! Like a ciceda or something. But then I got a better glipse and realized it was an actual hummingbird. I only saw it for like 20 seconds and then it dissapeared into the tree so I couldn't get a pic. I can't believe how small they are! Wow! Made my day! I had no idea they were around here. Now I'm tempted to buy a hummingbird feeder

I saw my 1st one (s) last summer! Till then I was beginning to think they were an urban myth!!!

None this year tho!

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I saw my 1st one (s) last summer! Till then I was beginning to think they were an urban myth!!!

None this year tho!

Right!? I thought they were an urban myth too!

With how small it was and how oddly and quicky it moved I'm guessing they may've been around before but I've missed them or thought they were bugs

 

[Peachfaced]

Neat! Thanks for the pic! You get so many there are fights over the feeder? Do you make your own nectar?

It's breeding season, and the males are pretty territorial when it comes to food. Having a second feeder has definitely helped with the fighting. Yep! I use the 1:4 ratio: How to Make Hummingbird Nectar | Audubon

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

It's breeding season, and the males are pretty territorial when it comes to food. Having a second feeder has definitely helped with the fighting. Yep! I use the 1:4 ratio: How to Make Hummingbird Nectar | Audubon

Thanks so much for the link! Since I'm so new to this it's so surprising that sugar water can be a good source of nutrients for anyone! Since it's tried and true obviously that's what I'd do too but wow

 

[Yoshi&Raphi]

So jealous! I love humming birds but have never seen them in real life.

 

[Peachfaced]

Thanks so much for the link! Since I'm so new to this it's so surprising that sugar water can be a good source of nutrients for anyone! Since it's tried and true obviously that's what I'd do too but wow

It's crazy isn't it? When flowers are fewer or when they're migrating, feeders help keep them hydrated and keeps them going until they can find flower nectar. They do eat small insects as well for protein.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

It's crazy isn't it? When flowers are fewer or when they're migrating, feeders help keep them hydrated and keeps them going until they can find flower nectar. They do eat small insects as well for protein.

Now I feel obligated to help them! Very good to know! Thanks!!

 

[Rain Bow]

I visited w/ my neighbors today & apparently all the hummingbirds are buzzinf around in their yards. Didn't see any, but was told!