The hummers are back!!

[Luddly Neddite]

We were sitting out on the deck, just enjoying the lake and the birds when a hummingbird came up and hovered over the table, right in front of us. I swear these little guys demand their feeders. Dutifully, we made fresh sugar water and got the feeders out of the storeroom. We'll hang one up tomorrow and add more as we see more hummingbirds.

Anyone else seeing hummingbirds yet?

Hummingbird Migration Maps

Hummingbird Migration: Citizen Scientists Track Hummingbird Migration with Journey North

 

[Moonglow]

Yes, I need to get mine put out and loaded as well...my bat house is in need of repair as is my birdhouse..

 

[Nutz]

LOL...I thought you were talking about a gay parade

 

[Moonglow]

Caught you gazing...

 

[Mr. H.]

Not seen any yet. Still a bit cool. We've got some feeders next to a big picture window. If I stand back and use my telephoto lens I can get some really good shots.

 

[Gracie]

They are here year round. I have two feeders and if they get to low, they buzz around me demanding more. They also buzz me when they want the hose so they can take a bath. So I obediently get it, put it on fine mist and sit there as they bathe.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

This little guy was such a surprise.

Quiet dinner, quiet conversation, watching the ducks and geese over the lake and all of sudden, he's hovering over our wine glasses, looking right at us and demanding we get busy.

We've talked about putting bat houses up but we have so many caves around the lake, it seems a bit redundant. Love sitting out there watching them pour out in the evening and do their loop de loops over our heads.

 

[Gracie]

Sounds wonderful Luddly.

 

[Zander]

We have them year round here in So-cal.

that reminds me.... I need to fill the feeder!!

 

[Mr. H.]

I assume you all mix your own nectar, as do we. But why is the store-bought variety dyed red?
What up wit dat?

 

[Moonglow]

This little guy was such a surprise.

Quiet dinner, quiet conversation, watching the ducks and geese over the lake and all of sudden, he's hovering over our wine glasses, looking right at us and demanding we get busy.

We've talked about putting bat houses up but we have so many caves around the lake, it seems a bit redundant. Love sitting out there watching them pour out in the evening and do their loop de loops over our heads.

Driving at night when the humidity is high around here and you think you are being bat attacked...

The Eagles soar overhead as do the Red Tailed Hawks...have to keep the chihuahua close...

There are caves all around here also, Bluff Dwellers is about 3 miles from the house, they have daily tours...

 

[Moonglow]

I assume you all mix your own nectar, as do we. But why is the store-bought variety dyed red?
What up wit dat?

I don't know either?

 

[Gracie]

I just pour a shitload of sugar in it with hot water to disolve it...then lukewarm water to cool it off. Badabing. Done.

I think the store bought stuff is red so it looks "pretty".

 

[Moonglow]

The red store bought stuff does work well for a fly trap...

 

[Zander]

Sugar water....it's like crack for hummingbirds!!

I'm gonna save some time and fill ours with Coca-cola....

 

[Mr. H.]

Sugar water....it's like crack for hummingbirds!!

I'm gonna save some time and fill ours with Coca-cola....

LOL. Like, not!

I miss living in the country, but I do appreciate being able to drink the tap water.
And a newspaper on the porch in the morning.
And a 3 block trip to the liquor store.
Pizza delivery.
Short commute to work.
A cell phone signal.
High speed internets.
Did I mention liquor store?

 

[Moonglow]

In the small town of 1400 I live by there are 5 bars and 6 liquor stores...

 

[Luddly Neddite]

The red dye causes liver disease in hummers. You also don't want to use raw sugar, brown sugar or honey to make the nectar. White sugar only and the ratio should be 4-5:1.

Four to five parts water water to one part sugar.

Hummers main food source is bugs but the sugar gives them quick energy.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

Sounds wonderful Luddly.

It really is paradise and we love it.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

And BATS!!

Again, eating dinner on the deck, just enjoying the lake and the birds and the peace and quiet and all of a sudden, there were a gazillion bats around our heads.

Looking up, I noticed a tiny spider building a web among the leaves. We joked that he was being very very still and hoping not to be noticed by the bats.