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Post by mar1lyn27 on May 2, 2011 18:02:58 GMT -5
I love birds of all kinds. Always have. Parrots, doves, now hummingbirds.
A friend suggested I get started on hummingbirds and I grabbed at the idea, so here I am.
Can anyone suggest a site(s) for me to learn from? I know very little about how, when and where to begin.
About me:
I live in the St. Petersburg, FL area. South Pasadena to be exact. I'm on the 4th floor of a building that overlooks boca ciega bay. I have a long terrace with glass doors and windows. It would be neat to see hummingbirds.
Some questions:
Is this the right time of year to begin?
What kind of feeders are best?
How many feeders should I put up?
Will the nectar attract other bugs? Palmettos (ugh)?
As you can see I need help but would love to do this.
Thanks....
Marilyn
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Post by novakdjokovic on May 20, 2011 3:54:49 GMT -5
Hi,,,
I am a newbie too and looking for the same Information.HI,,,
I come here to say hello to all of you people.I am Adam currently completing my studies.My degree is realted to the management and I want to become that VP or AVP of a recognized Financial Instition.Every one has his own define goals in life but my goal is some what differnt from others.Regarding my health,I am too week and recently joined the Gym to gain weight.I love to do skating,chatting and Jamming.I am a new member of this forum and I don't know what you people think but I really find this site very useful for gaining plenty of Information.I am planning to visit the Orlando,Florida this season...
Please name out the places you think I have to visit...
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Post by Steve Backes on May 22, 2011 21:19:26 GMT -5
Marilyn,
Hummingbirds can be very local, residing in one yard or neighborhood and not the next so it's hard to say what the right time is other than now. There's no time like the present. There's no guarantee that there is currently a hummingbird in your area. It's better to have a feeder up that's not being used so that it will be there if/when one passes through. Fill the feeder with a minimum amount of solution (4:1 water:sugar mix) and then change it out every couple of days during the summer. Make up a cup or two of solution and then use just enough to see the solution in the feeder and save the remainder in the refrigerator. Dump out the feeder every couple of days and refill with the refrigerated solution. It should last in the refrigerator of a couple of weeks.
I see them fall through spring (Aug - May) with resident birds in the winter while a friend a couple of miles from me gets them during the summer months but not during the winter. I know that some hummingbirds summer in north Pinellas but I don't know specifics regarding your neighborhood.
Migrations are the best time for anyone to see a hummingbird anywhere in the state as there are may birds migrating through but the visits will only be for a day or two, maybe only one stop. On the other hand, you may see a different bird every day.
Any feeder should do. We all have our favorites but I've seen birds feeding at just about any feeder that's being offered. I would try to avoid the fancy ones that are for show and stick to a basic bottle or dish type feeder. I recommend hanging a few different types in hopes that one of them will be recognized as food by the hummingbird who passes by.
Bees, wasp, and ants are the only "bugs" that I've had issues with on my feeders. I have had warblers and an anole drinking from my feeders in the past but I don't consider them pests.
I'm not sure if being on the fourth floor will be an issue. I fed them for years on a second floor balcony but I had it filled with flowers (see the photo at the bottom of the home page).
Steve
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Post by goldengirl on Sept 7, 2011 19:15:43 GMT -5
I'm a newbie, too! I spent several days with family in TN and one of the highlights was sitting on the porch getting "buzzed" by the hummingbirds as they flew over my head to get to their feeders. I spent hours watching and photographing them! I got home yesterday and my mom and I went to the local nursery - came home with Firespike and pineapple sage. Can't wait to get them out and my feeder up. :-) I'm so excited to find this board, and to know you are my neighbor, Steve!! I may show up on your doorstep one day begging for help. :-)
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Post by Steve Backes on Sept 8, 2011 11:00:57 GMT -5
Goldengirl,
Visitors are welcome. I request a call or email ahead of time if possible so I can make sure to be home.
Steve
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