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Post by marthaloul on May 10, 2013 6:48:44 GMT -5
I have had hummers the past two mornings after not having any for a few days. The one this morning stayed a good long while at the feeder and then flew into the daylilies.  |
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Post by marthaloul on May 16, 2013 17:08:25 GMT -5
Today, Thursday, I have seen hummers in the hot lips salvia, coral honeysuckle, and at the feeders. They hung around for a while in the weeping youpon and in an oak tree nearby. This is my lucky day! I live off Ewell Road in Lakeland.
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Post by brenda on May 24, 2013 20:01:02 GMT -5
I saw a hummer this evening hitting the shrimp plant, so exciting to see one since they have not been around very often lately...
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Post by Joe M on May 29, 2013 15:58:56 GMT -5
Well I finally had my first hummer of the summer make an appearance at about 8:30 this morning. Female rubythroated feeding at my firebush, I had no doubt that I would see one sooner or later! Pretty typical for my yard with many in the winter and an occasional hummer in the summer. I was feeling "left out" since there were folks reporting hummers in Lakeland, now if she stays around for more than a couple of minutes or becomes a regular visitor I'll get a photo or two! Joe M. Lakeland, FL |
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Post by brenda on May 30, 2013 18:15:53 GMT -5
I live off Pipkin Road
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Post by Joe M on Jun 11, 2013 16:13:52 GMT -5
Having only seen 1 hummer feeding at my copious flowers in the past 2 months and only every 3-4 days, was surprised to see 2 in full chase mode. The victor perched long enought for me to ID it as an adult female Ruby-throated. The other may very well have been a juvenile. I normally don't put feeders out after late Mar. but I'm going to put out a couple little bottle feeders to see if I might entice one to start using it and maybe a photo or two. Joe M. Lakeland |
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Post by Debbie on Sept 13, 2013 21:25:51 GMT -5
Fascinating activity today. Had broken back low-hanging branches of my full-canopied firebush this morning. Was working under an oak this afternoon and watched 2 hummers for at least 20 minutes fly (zoom!) from the oak to the full-canopied firebush, to a couple smaller firebushes, a honeysuckle, and a crape myrtle, in about a 25-foot path. They were extremely agitated, talking to each other the whole time; never heard hummers chirp before. They'd fly through the oak branches, as if looking for something; sit on a branch for several seconds, dive to the firebush, under the canopy, again as if looking for something. They stopped only a few times to take a sip of nectar from the various flowers. I wonder if I destroyed their nest this morning -- when do they nest in Lakeland? I pulled all the firebush clippings out of the bag, looking for a nest, but didn't find anything that looked like one. I'm really baffled - has anyone seen this type of behavior? I had only one sighting this summer before today. While I hate disturbing them, it was thrilling to be so close to this activity!
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Post by Joe M on Sept 15, 2013 4:51:09 GMT -5
I would guess the were "Hawking" insects! As far as nesting time May-Jun. I doubt you disturbed a nest.
Joe M.
Where in Lakeland are you located?
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Post by Debbie on Sept 15, 2013 8:22:51 GMT -5
Cleveland Heights, south of YMCA half mile. The birds were back Saturday afternoon and one this morning. They were feeding in a more normal manner, so I was greatly relieved! What does 'hawking' insects mean? Debbie
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Post by Joe M on Sept 15, 2013 11:07:52 GMT -5
Hawking or "catching" insects on the fly. Some time if the light is right you might actually see the insects they are after.
Real quick darting about and back to a perch that often looks like its with no purpose but the hummer knows what its doing.
Your Lakeland area gets its share of hummer reports including Rufous, Dec.-Feb, keep an eye out during the winter months.
Good Luck,
Joe M.
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Post by moboston on Sept 15, 2013 21:50:12 GMT -5
Saw my first migrating Ruby-throated on Aug. 1st, the same day as last year. It was either an immature or female, fed only on plants and hung around a couple of days. Didn't see another till Aug. 23rd, that was also either an immature or female. Things have picked up since Sept. 3rd. Had a very hungry female show up late in the afternoon. She fed on the Firecracker, Coral Porterweed, Red Shrimp Plant and Cardinal Vine. I quickly put out a small feeder when I saw her hover over the Shepard Hook that had a feeder on it last year. Once it was hung, it took her no time at all to feed from it the rest of the evening. Thinking she may have been here last year. Also now have two males - one on one side of the yard and another that chases a female (think its the same female but not sure). Both are adult males and saw both of them tonight so I know there are two. One seems much smaller, even though both are adults with beautiful gorgets. Hoping to see many more and looking forward to the winter residents. Who knows maybe my Rufous from the past will show up again. Mary  |
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Post by marthaloul on Sept 18, 2013 19:29:06 GMT -5
I have had 2-3 hummers at a time for the last few days. What has been interesting to me has been their daring to tease a young male cat by hovering just out of his reach then flying a few feet before coming back to hover just out of his reach again. I'll keep my fingers crossed that they are good at estimating his jumping ability because last week I say him jump up to snatch one off the feeder. Needless to say I quickly got a taller staff for the feeder and moved it to a place where the cat couldn't conceal himself as he had done.
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Post by Dorenda on Sept 19, 2013 7:10:54 GMT -5
I saw two hummingbirds last night and one this morning at the firespike. I would love to see one up close. Does anyone band in our area? If so, I'd love to come see them up close.
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Post by Joe M on Sept 19, 2013 8:51:08 GMT -5
We get one chance for a bander in Lakeland, usually in Jan.
Will post later in the year as to his schedule and when he will be in town.
He zips through and only has so much time to spend here, usually 1 day, and he favors stopping at homes that have multiple overwintering birds.
But even so only time for visiting 3-4 yards.
Joe M.
Lakeland
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Post by moboston on Sept 20, 2013 9:00:41 GMT -5
Still have two in the yard, a male and a female. Who knows if they are the same ones from last week. The male chases the female out of the yard so I don't see her as much. He loves the Coral Porterweed and she prefers the Firecracker, but both use the feeders as well, esp. in the evening.  |
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Post by moboston on Sept 21, 2013 11:50:52 GMT -5
  Here is the female that the male keeps trying to chase away. Love the color on her back in this shot. You can see the nectar on her beak in the one shot. |
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Post by rowdy on Oct 2, 2013 18:49:40 GMT -5
Hawking or "catching" insects on the fly. Some time if the light is right you might actually see the insects they are after. Real quick darting about and back to a perch that often looks like its with no purpose but the hummer knows what its doing. Your Lakeland area gets its share of hummer reports including Rufous, Dec.-Feb, keep an eye out during the winter months. Good Luck, Joe M. |
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Post by rowdy on Oct 2, 2013 18:53:37 GMT -5
Hi joe I live in no lakeland and have many plants for hummingbirds and only see the same 2 females only. Will they stay here for winter?
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Post by Joe M on Oct 3, 2013 12:01:25 GMT -5
Hi joe I live in no lakeland and have many plants for hummingbirds and only see the same 2 females only. Will they stay here for winter? Best advise I can offer is that we generally consider hummingbirds still here after Nov 1 as "over wintering" birds. But usually if I have one in the yard after Oct. 15th its a pretty good indication that it plans to spend the winter in FL and not migrate into central America. As to not using a feeder and prefering plants: feeder use is not natural behavior and some "get it" others don't but will figure it out pretty quickly if they see another hummer using a feeder. Try to have a couple styles of feeders up. One never knows what type feeder will attract one bird but not another, so it's best to offer them at least a choice. Hope this info is of a some help! Joe M. Lakeland |
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Beau
New Member
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Post by Beau on Oct 3, 2013 12:40:38 GMT -5
Hi joe I live in no lakeland and have many plants for hummingbirds and only see the same 2 females only. Will they stay here for winter? Best advise I can offer is that we generally consider hummingbirds still here after Nov 1 as "over wintering" birds. But usually if I have one in the yard after Oct. 15th its a pretty good indication that it plans to spend the winter in FL and not migrate into central America. As to not using a feeder and prefering plants: feeder use is not natural behavior and some "get it" others don't but will figure it out pretty quickly if they see another hummer using a feeder. Try to have a couple styles of feeders up. One never knows what type feeder will attract one bird but not another, so it's best to offer them at least a choice. Hope this info is of a some help! Joe M. Lakeland |
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Beau
New Member
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Post by Beau on Oct 3, 2013 12:42:27 GMT -5
Best advise I can offer is that we generally consider hummingbirds still here after Nov 1 as "over wintering" birds. But usually if I have one in the yard after Oct. 15th its a pretty good indication that it plans to spend the winter in FL and not migrate into central America. As to not using a feeder and prefering plants: feeder use is not natural behavior and some "get it" others don't but will figure it out pretty quickly if they see another hummer using a feeder. Try to have a couple styles of feeders up. One never knows what type feeder will attract one bird but not another, so it's best to offer them at least a choice. Hope this info is of a some help! Joe M. Lakeland |
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Beau
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Post by Beau on Oct 3, 2013 12:44:43 GMT -5
Thanx alot joe. Nice talking 2 u this a.m. great 2 have new local friend in area.
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d
New Member
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Post by d on Oct 18, 2013 20:07:13 GMT -5
question to Joe M, you said that birds seen in the yard after Nov. 1 means they will be wintering here and not going to Central America. Are you saying all the northern birds have already migrated through Florida by Nov. 1? I'm a little new to this so maybe I'm misunderstanding.
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Post by Joe M on Oct 19, 2013 10:02:43 GMT -5
d, There are still a few reports of hummers in the mid west and the east, a very few stragglers. I consider that hummers around from mid Nov thru early March are generally "over wintering" hummers. Those still up north and in the SE will still be passing through for several more weeks.
I currently have 3 hummers (all adult males) that show no sign of putting on weight so they may be planning on staying!
No absolutes in their behavior but for the most part if you have a hummer after Nov. 1 he/she will in all likelihood stay for the winter.
Joe M.
Lakeland
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Post by moboston on Oct 19, 2013 18:34:16 GMT -5
I have had the same two around now for a couple of weeks. The adult male uses only 1 of the feeders and I seldom see him on my flowers. What is different is that this guy leaves my yard and goes south instead of retreating to the oak tree in my neighbors yard or to my Crepe Myrtles as most have done in the past. He also shows up at the feeder from the south, coming "round" the corner of the house. The other I believe is an immature male. I am beginning to see some orangish red spots in the center of the gorget area and a couple at the top edge below the eye. It uses only the flowers, has no interest in any of the feeders and just slowly leaves the flowers and returns to the oak behind our pool or to the Crepe Myrtles. Attaching some pics. The one I call "Good to the Last Drop" |
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Post by Joe M on Oct 20, 2013 14:30:48 GMT -5
Finally have a hummer (Mature Female Ruby-throated) that has a band and probably a return from last year. Hopefully she will stick around until Jan so we can verify just when it was last banded. Joe M. Lakeland  |
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Post by moboston on Oct 20, 2013 22:24:56 GMT -5
Welcome home, Joe. Congrats on your banded bird.
Got a none hummer question. Saw a very different bird in my yard today - no pic- of course the camera was not handy. It was about the size of a blue jay but bright red chest and head, black wings. I looked online and only saw the Scarlet Tanager and the Towhee. Both seemed to small. I know it wasn't a cardinal - much larger. I think it had been over by the Beauty Berry, which had tons of berries on it. All the birds have been eating them and seem to like to fly back and forth from there to the Crepe Myrtles. Any idea what it could have been? Only saw it once.
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Post by Joe M on Oct 21, 2013 12:37:42 GMT -5
'MB
As to your bird, I can't help you! Nothing comes to mind that could possibly be that large with both red belly and red head, except for a Vermillion Flycather.
Take a look at "it" and consider that maybe your size estimate is off the mark.
Joe M.
Lakeland
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Post by moboston on Oct 23, 2013 21:31:53 GMT -5
Joe, as far as the red bird goes - it had been feeding on the Beauty Berries with the Mockingbird and Blue Jays and Cardinals. It was pretty easy to tell that it was larger than the Cardinals, and a tad smaller than the Blue Jay. I was so taken back by the bright red that I didn't think to look at the beak. Tonight we had a Yellow-Throated Warbler at a feeder, really pretty bird.
I think I got at least one new hummer arrival today. One showed up at the feeder on the side yard by the back of the pool. It sat and drank a long time, returning several times within a half hour to feed there. Later I saw it nectaring on the pentas and the dark pink Firespike that is behind the pool now. I know its not an adult male, appeared to not have a gorget from what I could see. Then this evening Terry saw one in a new area that we put hummer plants in this summer. Its on the side of the yard as you go towards the back gate but infront of the
air conditioner by the garage. I wanted another area so that if I got a Rufous or an aggressive male, I would have
an additional feeding zone. We put a variety of Firecracker in there and that purple plant that I got last fall from the Munn Park sale (it has the long purple tubular flowers on it). It was feeding on it when Terry saw it.
He said it was a female, so I have at least 3 now - the immature, adult male, and this new one. Hopefully, all will get along and stay.
Maybe this cooler weather will bring more.
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Post by birdscomefirst on Oct 29, 2013 17:49:53 GMT -5
I'm in Polk County at the Osceola County line. I am relatively new to the area (10 months) I saw a hummer last evening but it was a fleeting glance so I couldn't ID it. I am looking forward to attracting as many hummers to my home here as I had in WA.
Thanks!
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