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Post by gams2one on Nov 10, 2012 22:24:14 GMT -5
I cannot tell you how excited I was this morning when I saw a hummingbird in my neighbors lemon tree. I moved to Florida 9 1/2 years ago and had not see one until today. I live in Palm Beach Gardens and was wondering if anyone else here has seen them. Any advise as to keeping it around would be great! I am originally from Virginia and miss seeing these spectacular birds!!!
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Post by moboston on Nov 11, 2012 13:20:37 GMT -5
Congrats on seeing the hummer! Best thing to do immediately is to go get a cheap feeder - the kind you can get at Wal-Mart or Lowes. Does not have to be glass or fancy. Find one that is red and clear plastic - easy to clean. Hang it near where you saw the bird last and if it is in a place where you can observ the feeder, the better. Use the ratio of 1 part suger to 4 parts water. I put 2 cups of water in the microwave for 4 minutes, then pour it over a pitcher that has the 1 cup of sugar in it. Stir till its dissolved, then I add 2 cups cool water and stir again. That cools the water enough so that I can use it more quickly. You do not have to fill the feeder up and you can put the leftover in the fridge to use when you change it out in 3-4 days.
Do not add red food coloring. Its not needed and not good for the birds.
Once a bird finds it and relies on it, you may see the bird every 15 -20 mins, although your area may have enough flowers for nectar that the bird may not use it at all. I have an immature male that doesn't use it very much at all - relies on the flowers. When I think I see him at the feeder, I'm not convinced its not another bird. I also have an adult male that does use it.
Next thing to do is research this forum and others to look for hummer plants that you can put in your yard. There is a discussion on this site and you will find more info at native nurseries. Many butterfly plants are also good for hummers. Think tubular flowers, red but also purples, orange, and pink.
Good luck - watching them is addictive!
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Post by moboston on Nov 11, 2012 13:21:46 GMT -5
Congrats on seeing the hummer! Best thing to do immediately is to go get a cheap feeder - the kind you can get at Wal-Mart or Lowes. Does not have to be glass or fancy. Find one that is red and clear plastic - easy to clean. Hang it near where you saw the bird last and if it is in a place where you can observ the feeder, the better. Use the ratio of 1 part suger to 4 parts water. I put 2 cups of water in the microwave for 4 minutes, then pour it over a pitcher that has the 1 cup of sugar in it. Stir till its dissolved, then I add 2 cups cool water and stir again. That cools the water enough so that I can use it more quickly. You do not have to fill the feeder up and you can put the leftover in the fridge to use when you change it out in 3-4 days.
Do not add red food coloring. Its not needed and not good for the birds.
Once a bird finds it and relies on it, you may see the bird every 15 -20 mins, although your area may have enough flowers for nectar that the bird may not use it at all. I have an immature male that doesn't use it very much at all - relies on the flowers. When I think I see him at the feeder, I'm not convinced its not another bird. I also have an adult male that does use it.
Next thing to do is research this forum and others to look for hummer plants that you can put in your yard. There is a discussion on this site and you will find more info at native nurseries. Many butterfly plants are also good for hummers. Think tubular flowers, red but also purples, orange, and pink.
Good luck - watching them is addictive!
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