|
|
Post by flrubyluver on Dec 11, 2012 21:24:02 GMT -5
I just got back into town about a month ago and I usually have RTHs during the summer but never noticed them in the winter. The other day I saw one..I thought...I hurried and made some solution and put out feeders and yes... I have one! wooohoo! ;D I think it is a FRTH but not sure. It has been flitting around so quickly that I cannot make a positive identification yet.
Should I get a hanging basket or something that I can protect from the freezing weather we get up here to help the birds make it through the winter or should the feeders be enough for them to make it to springtime. The only flowers I have that bloom in the wintertime is a Carolina Jessamine vine that is currently loaded with buds.
Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve Backes on Dec 11, 2012 22:57:56 GMT -5
Flowers may encourage a hummingbird to stay around but a well maintained feeder is enough to sustain a hummingbird. I used to "save" a lot of plants from freezes by moving them inside or covering them but most of the plants in my yard now will come back if they freeze so I've stopped "saving" them. My feeders will support the hummingbirds in my yard if the plants freeze.
Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by flrubyluver on Dec 12, 2012 10:01:34 GMT -5
Steve - thank you for the reply. Just saw the hummer - it's a FRT. it has white markings on the tips of its tail.
Someone spotted a rufous at the botanical garden in town yesterday. Heading down there to try and see it. I've never seen one before.
|
|
|
|
Post by flrubyluver on Dec 12, 2012 22:49:02 GMT -5
I finally got a picture today and after looking closer, I'm not sure if it is a RTH or not. Not sure if the photo is very clear. Shot it through the screen house. What do you think? Thanks for your help in identifying. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Dec 13, 2012 12:58:18 GMT -5
Photo is a bit inconclusive but I agree that it might not be a RTHU.
Could also be a Rufous/Allens but a better photo without the screen between and maybe some sunshine! He should stay around since the weather is turning a bit cooler, so try for some more photos the next few days.
Joe M.
Lakeland
|
|
|
|
Post by flrubyluver on Dec 15, 2012 22:52:03 GMT -5
The sun came out today and I was able to get this picture. I believe it is a rufous. What do you think?? Thanks for your help in identifying! Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve Backes on Dec 16, 2012 10:12:04 GMT -5
It's definitely a Selasphorus. Probably a Rufous but could be an Allen's. Based on the gorget pattern in the first photo, I'd guess it to be an adult female.
|
|
|
|
Post by flrubyluver on Dec 18, 2012 8:41:24 GMT -5
Thank you Steve for your help in identifying. I've been watching where she goes after taking a drink so I'm going to attempt to get some pictures of her tail and maybe we will be able to determine if she's a Rufous or Allen. Thanks again for your help. This has been very educational and exciting for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Dec 19, 2012 9:38:18 GMT -5
Test Photo Allen's,, Decent photo showing an Allen's retrices, note the narrow R4-5 and the absence of a notch on his R-2's, also a very smooth taper to a point. Back yard photo Jan 2009. Joe M. Lakeland Attachments:
|
|
