Post by Joe M on Oct 23, 2011 11:22:41 GMT -5
As many other birds, Hummingbirds are subject to injuries that may or may not prove to be fatal.
Most occur during a chase others do not.
Window strikes are common and most often fatal as a broken neck may result. Whenever feeders are placed near a window it must be done with caution, especially if numerous birds are visiting the feeder. As a precaution I move my window feeder if it gets heavy activity and always have my mini blinds partially closed to cut down on the windows 'mirror image effect'.
Window strikes also may damage the birds bill and subsequently make feeding from flowers difficult and insect 'hawking' near impossible.
In a previous post Steve attached a picture of a bird with bill damage and I have seen several with the same type of damage. Observing the bird trying to feed from a feeder unsuccessfully I found a red instant coffee lid, filled it with sugar solution and watched as it successfully fed from the open lid placed next to the other feeder.
Patio Screens and Pool Screens , are another hazard. Although Mary's hummer managed to extricate itself, some are unable and become weak and exhausted trying. In helping the bird just be aware that you do not wish to make things worse. Unless you have handled hummers I do not suggest trying to help by grasping its body and extracting it. Rather using thumb and forefinger, in the 3-9 O'clock position gently help him extract himself. (Do this from the bill side of the screen, with a gentle push)
Hope this info helps as, to the best of my knowledge, there are no Hummingbird rehab facilities in the State.
Joe M
Lakeland
Most occur during a chase others do not.
Window strikes are common and most often fatal as a broken neck may result. Whenever feeders are placed near a window it must be done with caution, especially if numerous birds are visiting the feeder. As a precaution I move my window feeder if it gets heavy activity and always have my mini blinds partially closed to cut down on the windows 'mirror image effect'.
Window strikes also may damage the birds bill and subsequently make feeding from flowers difficult and insect 'hawking' near impossible.
In a previous post Steve attached a picture of a bird with bill damage and I have seen several with the same type of damage. Observing the bird trying to feed from a feeder unsuccessfully I found a red instant coffee lid, filled it with sugar solution and watched as it successfully fed from the open lid placed next to the other feeder.
Patio Screens and Pool Screens , are another hazard. Although Mary's hummer managed to extricate itself, some are unable and become weak and exhausted trying. In helping the bird just be aware that you do not wish to make things worse. Unless you have handled hummers I do not suggest trying to help by grasping its body and extracting it. Rather using thumb and forefinger, in the 3-9 O'clock position gently help him extract himself. (Do this from the bill side of the screen, with a gentle push)
Hope this info helps as, to the best of my knowledge, there are no Hummingbird rehab facilities in the State.
Joe M
Lakeland