Ruby's in New Port Richey

[donla]

First of all I'm about 1/4 miles east of US19 just north of Holiday.My first sighting was 3/27/10 for about a week of at first a female then a male,they took off right after easter. Then on April 29th a small female arrived and has stayed in the area since with another female coming to the feeders every now and then until they start the attacking stuff.
I have 3 feeders up at most of the time . I thought after the tough winter we had and most of my plants and vines took such a major hit ,I wouldn't see any due to lack of nectar.Well my coral honeysuckle started to flower in late March and the the hundreds of Mexican sage that is all around my flower beds have been their favorite.They have had the seasonal stuff like zinnia bee-balm and the plants that are just starting to come back like firebush and pentas .It's the coral honeysuckle they come to get at sunup and sun down.It's been great having a summer guest. Don

[donla]

Well today was first. The two females have been chasing each other around most of the afternoon.It started to sprinkle off and on ,and I noticed one would chase the other away from the feeder .Then they would come back around and both would roost for a few seconds in the same tree real close to each other.Until one wouldn't be able to take it anymore and fly off. It looked like they forgot for a second they were at battle and just had to take a break.Those girls just crack me up. Don

[donla]

This the first morning my little friend didn't show up for a sip from her favorite feeder.I'm wondering if she's gone away.

[donla]

Well she came back was gone for a few days or I just missed her.I had thought she was gone down to Miami for the winter,Hope she stays here Don

[donla]

Well , I think the fall migration has come to New Port Richey .My hummingbirds have been gone for the last few days. A very young male showed up last week.When he would be at the feeder and take a sip and then turn his up to swallow,I could see a tiny little spot of red on his throat.Thursday morning I noticed both he and the female both at the feeder right at sun rise and they were really going to town on the syrup,and I didn't think about to much ,until I realized I didn't see them again.
Don LaClair

[donla]

An adult female has been visiting for the last week.She has been becoming more comfortable and perching in a guard position near her favorite feeder the last few days. Don LaClair

[donla]

Oct 02 was the last sighting I've had ,nothing since. Don

[Steve Backes]

I was in my Valrico yard for much of today without hearing any hummingbird activity. Late in the day, I observed at least three birds that didn't make any sound. I'm guessing that this is the first day in a long time without any new migrants passing through. The new birds stir up the "resident" birds allowing me to see and hear them.

There's still some chance of late migrants.

Steve

[Lauren]

Female ruby throated at my feeder the last two days. I think it's the same female from last year. No partner or babies.
Moon Lake Rd/ Belle Haven Dr.

[birdiefood]

HOW WOULD I KNOW I WAS seeing a baby.

[birdiefood]

HOW WOULD I KNOW I WAS seeing a baby.

[Joe M]

You probably would never know if you are seeing a "baby" hummer, unless it was in the nest! When they fledge, they are usually the size and weight of an adult bird, and within 24 hrs are very adept in their flight abilities. Although their feathers may still be a bit unkempt, it's difficult to determine if the bird has fledged days prior or weeks prior to observation.
Most Ruby-throated would have fledgrd by early May.
Hope this info helps,
Joe M
Lakeland

[lilyopath]

Joe, would a short straight bill and many vertical parallel lines down the throat indicate an immature (baby) hummingbird?

[Joe M]

Immature ID,
Most probably an immature 1st yr male, the speckling appearing as dotted vertical lines and shorter bill is characteristic. Otherwise they look similar to an adult female including white tipped tail feathers. The males also are very slightly smaller than the typical adult female. Size is difficult to judge unless they were both present and comparable.
Joe M.

[donla]

I have a male and a female RTH coming to my arbor of coral honeysuckle and feeder. It seems that no matter what plant I try to introduce to my yard they ignore it . Unless I put it within feet of the coral honeysuckle. The only two exceptions are Firebush and Mexican sage (salvia). I'm just glad they keep coming back! Don

[Chuck Fleet]

I live in Gulf Harbors. I have not seen a single Hummingbirds why is this.

[zeta7]

Do you have the plants that bring them? Do you have feeders out?

[Mermaid]

Apr 4, 2018 8:04:26 GMT -5 Chuck Fleet said:

I live in Gulf Harbors. I have not seen a single Hummingbirds why is this.

[mermaid]

I live in Gulf Harbors Woodlands. Has anyone seen any here. WS told they come in October. Moved here in April and put feeder out. Also have two red tropical Hibiscus plants. Never saw anything. We are close to gulf. Does that make a difference. Are they here and just haven’t found me? I had so many hummingbirds in Georgia and miss them. 😐

Thanks Susan