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Post by Joe M on Nov 8, 2013 17:07:49 GMT -5
They are around and moving around. Had a couple new arrivals but no idea if they are here for the winter or just passing by!
The adult male is new as of yesterday and has started his winter gorget molt.
Immature male showed up yesterday as well.
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Post by Joe M on Sept 21, 2014 7:41:55 GMT -5
Back in Lakeland after a summer up north (MA), where the summer Ruby-throated were numerous as usual! Will have to adjust to the fewer hummers here but they are here in my yard non the less. Have three or four using the feeders and a couple still ignoring the feeders and preferring the flowers. Unlike MA I can look forward to saving money on sugar solution since I rarely make up more than a qt. a month here vs. 2-3 qt. a day for about 6-8 weeks up north. Good to be back with my FL hummers, I'm sure a few will be returnees from previous winters. Joe M. Lakeland, FL
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Post by Joe M on Sept 28, 2014 15:02:48 GMT -5
Have been impressed with a new plant in my yard, Cuphea Schumannii which the hummers seem to prefer above all others. Yes even more so than fire spike, shrimp plant and porterweed! There are plants that hummers use but when I find one that hummers prefer it becomes a "keeper"! Joe M. Lakeland
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Post by gatorjoe on Sept 28, 2014 18:47:31 GMT -5
Joe where did you get your Cuphea schumannii, I don't think I have seen it before in this area?
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Post by Joe M on Jan 2, 2015 18:09:27 GMT -5
Joe where did you get your Cuphea schumannii, I don't think I have seen it before in this area? Sorry for the late, late reply, I missed your query! The Cuphia S' came from a friend, don't know where he got it. It's a bit gangly but it is an excellent hummer plant, and blooming currently with hummers visiting it the first of the new year. If you have an interest I can start a few cuttings if you feel like driving to Lakeland and getting them? This fellow has it staked out and guards it very well!
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Post by gatorjoe on Jan 20, 2015 6:19:13 GMT -5
Thanks Joe, I found some on the Internet at Flowers By The Sea out of Calif.i bought a couple along with a couple other Cupeas. I still have them in pots right now and will plant them in the spring.
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Post by Joe M on Jan 21, 2015 15:15:56 GMT -5
gatorjoe, I should have mentioned that another variety "David Verity" might even be a better choice, a bit more compact! I'll probably be getting a couple from Flowers by the Sea when they have them back in stock!
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Post by gatorjoe on Jan 21, 2015 23:20:11 GMT -5
Joe, I ordered 6 other Cuphea when I ordered and David Verity was one of the ones I ordered. Thanks for the info.
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Post by Joe M on Jul 3, 2015 13:54:23 GMT -5
Usual scant summer activity this summer. Have had two females around on and off for more than a month and not every day. No nest marks apparent on either bird so they might not be nesting this summer? However a young male made an appearance in the yard today which seems to indicate there was a nest in the area. Attachments:
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Post by gatorjoe on Jul 20, 2015 22:27:04 GMT -5
Ok Joe, what do nest marks look like and where will they be on the females body? Thanks Gatorjoe
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Post by Joe M on Jul 23, 2015 15:21:27 GMT -5
Ok Joe, what do nest marks look like and where will they be on the females body? Thanks Gatorjoe Sorry for the late response 'Gator. I'm in MA right now trying to salvage what is left of the summer up here. The female while nesting tends to abrade the feathers on her belly and its very noticeable. Dark streaks and marks that resemble what you might see on a white t-shirt that's been smudged by oil or garden soil. I may have chance to take a picture of a female that has fledged some birds recently and post it in the next few days. I have some photos but not on this lap top that I travel with. Another photo showing the faint nest ring. upper part of the belly. Less noticeable is the one just below the legs. Taken this morning!
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