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Post by jswillis60 on Sept 5, 2009 19:30:47 GMT -5
Breakdown of what we've seen this season: July 12, RTH Aug 6, RTH End of July, Clearwing, Achemon, Banded, Carolina Aug 20, RTH on firespike, morning and evening Aug 28, Male RTH on feeder Aug 30, Male, RTH on 2nd feeder Sept 1, Female RTH on firespike and firebush Sept 2, Female RTH on firespike Sept 3, Male RTH on firespike Sept 4, All out war between 3 or 4 RTH on our 4 feeders, we watched them jockey for about an hour, sometimes as little as one foot away, they are "here" as we say. We see them morning, noon and evening.
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Post by loulou1fla on Sept 6, 2009 19:14:31 GMT -5
Hi, I'm new to this forum. but wanted to report 3 RTH Sun (Sept.6) today in Bartow, Fl (Polk County). Were feeding on Firespike,Fire Bush, Salvia, Cigar Plant and Passion Vine. Were very active and saw Morning, Noon and Evening. Also visited feeder.
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Post by loulou1fla on Sept 20, 2009 12:41:01 GMT -5
Am still seeing RTHs as of this A.M. Only have 2. (1) male and (1) female. The male is new to the yard, just started seeing this A.M. They have been fighting over the flowers and feeders.
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Post by virgo10 on Nov 8, 2009 16:15:15 GMT -5
Hi. This is my first post. I'm happy to have found this forum. This morning we finally saw a RT hummer at my house. I'm originally from MA where we had them for most of the summer. Despite hanging feeders for the past 5 years, this was our first sighting. The bird is a female and has been sighted numerous times since around 9 am. We are all so excited to be able to view these magnificent birds down here in central Florida. A poor photo as I was taking it through my front window.
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Post by loulou1fla on Nov 19, 2009 18:57:34 GMT -5
Just wanted to update sightings. Am still seeing RTH at flowers and feeders. Sorta rotate off and on. I think the (1) I sighted back in Sept. is still here. But I have seen different ones come and go. Thanks
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Post by virgo10 on Nov 26, 2009 19:51:10 GMT -5
Just wanted to update that the RT hummer stayed for 5 days and then left. Our last sighting was 11/12. I will continue to keep the feeders out with fresh nectar in the hopes that another one will find its way to us. Here's some better pictures I got of her before she moved on.
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Post by loulou1fla on Nov 30, 2009 22:33:13 GMT -5
I keep my feeders up "year" round......I don't see large numbers but at least I have one or two most of the time. I am not sure where you are located in Polk county...but keep watching...you never know when they may appear. Linda
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Post by loulou1fla on Jan 10, 2010 9:50:10 GMT -5
Here it is Jan 10 and we have had the very COLD weather. We had covered ALL bushes and flowers but had my feeders filled. I didn't see hummers for a few days and was worried but finally saw the (2) fighting over the feeder - what a relief - they were still here and survived and I was thrilled !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope everyone elses has survived and doing well. Linda
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Post by jswillis60 on Jan 12, 2010 12:51:52 GMT -5
A Polk County Update: Jan. 12, 2010 We have our feeders up almost year round, certainly all winter. We have had hummers for the last 4 years. We have at least half a dozen birds at four feeders now. Males, young males and females. We can stand as close as two feet of the feeders while the birds feed. We took the feeders inside the few nights of freezing weather, as soon as it gets light we take them back outside and the hummers are on them immediately. We would love to have someone come in and identify/band them all. Hope my picture attaches! Jennifer Attachments:
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Post by loulou1fla on Jan 13, 2010 16:15:54 GMT -5
Hi Jennifer, Nice picture......it turned out well!!! I forgot or actually really didn't think feeder would freeze.....(dah) and was surprised when (1) morning it was partially frozen on top...but my (2) little hummers were there bright and early to drink....they too like yours have become very brave...I think they needed the fuel (food) so bad that they were not afraid of me and my small dog. If you don't mind me asking.....where are you located in Polk County? Linda
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Post by tupelo080135 on Jan 13, 2010 18:20:28 GMT -5
Hi there I am in Florida on vacation. Where are the hummers from Kissimmee. I would love to see them and have always wanted to see them.. I have been birding around Florida for about a week and have ten days left. Please tell me where and when. PLease Directions from 192 Kissimmee would be appreciated very much ;D
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Post by Steve Backes on Jan 13, 2010 18:43:10 GMT -5
Mark, I'm not sure about any hummingbirds around Kissimmee but if you're going to be heading toward the Tampa area, you're welcome to visit my yard anytime. Visit my Yard Hummers site at mysite.verizon.net/resu64md/yardhummers/ for a link to a map to my yard along with the rest of my contact information, Steve Backes
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Post by tupelo080135 on Jan 16, 2010 6:47:04 GMT -5
Hi Steve, thanks for the invite and I would love to see a Hummingbird. I have only one week left but would love to try and squeeze a visit to your garden. What will I likely see and what is the best time for Hummers.? Also if you could give me directions. I will drop the family off at Busch Gardens so can you please direct me from there. I am not very good with directions so idiot proof please. I will let you know when I am coming but I think Tuesday or Wednesday if ok with you. I am so excited as I have had great time birding here and a Hummer would be the icing on the cake.
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Post by Steve Backes on Jan 16, 2010 13:18:16 GMT -5
Mark,
Check your messages at the top of the page.
Steve
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Post by jswillis60 on Jan 16, 2010 23:17:45 GMT -5
Hi Steve, thanks for the invite and I would love to see a Hummingbird. I have only one week left but would love to try and squeeze a visit to your garden. What will I likely see and what is the best time for Hummers.? Also if you could give me directions. I will drop the family off at Busch Gardens so can you please direct me from there. I am not very good with directions so idiot proof please. I will let you know when I am coming but I think Tuesday or Wednesday if ok with you. I am so excited as I have had great time birding here and a Hummer would be the icing on the cake.
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Post by jswillis60 on Jan 16, 2010 23:24:50 GMT -5
Mark, I live in Lakeland, between Orlando and Tampa. You are welcome to stop by. The hummingbirds are pretty active right now. Post and I can call you. Jennifer
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Post by tupelo080135 on Jan 19, 2010 20:04:22 GMT -5
Hi there sorry I think I sent a message to you that was meant for Steve. I was at Steve's house today and had a great time. He mentioned that someone had Painted Buntings and I think it was you he said. If you do have and you are ok with me visiting can you let me know. I only have five days left so let me know asap if it is you. My email is tupelo080135@hotmail.co.uk
Mark from Scotland
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Post by venshore2003 on Jan 25, 2010 13:49:07 GMT -5
Hi everyone I am entering a photo contest on humming birds on 2/1/2010. Would you please tell me where to go in Polk County to photograph humming birds. I live at Sweet Water Gulf and Tennis. We have a lot of birds but so far no humming birds. I need to be able to shot sometime this weekend. Thank you.
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Post by Steve Backes on Jan 27, 2010 22:52:22 GMT -5
Venshore2003,
I'm not sure that we have anyone on your side of the county currently reporting hummingbirds. Since no one else has offered yet, you're welcome to drive a little further and photograph the birds in my Valrico yard. E-mail me if you're interested.
Steve
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Post by jswillis60 on Feb 2, 2010 9:24:13 GMT -5
Just an update from my yard, We have at least 5 different hummers right now. Doreen will be here tomorrow to band; hope all these guys show up to do their part! Jennifer
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Post by jswillis60 on Feb 4, 2010 10:07:10 GMT -5
What an awesome experience! Doreen came yesterday and banded 3 RTH, 2 adult males and 1 second year male. We saw at least 1 female, maybe two, but they were too smart to get caught. All the birds were very active and put on a big show for the visitors! Joe was here to help trap and take pictures. A very big thank you to him. Thank you, Doreen!
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Post by hummingbird231 on May 29, 2010 11:37:37 GMT -5
Just saw a hummingbird at my window feeder this morning about 8:30. I guess it was a ruby throat. Will keep ya'll posted. Linda
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Post by John Bakas on May 29, 2010 12:28:09 GMT -5
Linda, Whoopie!!
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Post by jswillis60 on Jun 5, 2010 10:44:20 GMT -5
Saw a hummer this morning, Saturday, June 5. He/she checked out the yard, sat for a while. I couldn't tell what it was, too close for bino's and too far for my eyes, lol. I will keep you posted. Jennifer
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Post by hummingbird231 on Jun 9, 2010 8:47:50 GMT -5
I'm only seeing one bird at a time but I think I'm seeing 3 different birds. Moma and 2 babies maybe. One of the babies feeds in the morning on the mexican petunia, he goes to each bloom on 8 different 3 to 4 feet tall plants, it's awesome to see It takes a about a minute for it to feed on each bloom. Why is this plant not listed as a plant they feed on? one baby is smaller than the other with a shorter tail. What is strange is it wont feed on the explosion of red blooms 1 foot away on the firecracker fern, and my fushias, maybe because they are shorter I dont know. They also use my feeders, I've seen all seven feeders used lately. I will try to get a pic of the one on the petunia. Will keep you posted. Thanks for letting me share. Linda
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Post by virgo10 on Jun 9, 2010 17:51:09 GMT -5
Linda, Congrats on all the activity! I'm in Auburndale and we've had nothing since a lone male showed up in mid April and stayed for 3 days. Could you maybe convince a few of them to head my way?
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Post by hummingbird231 on Jun 10, 2010 9:06:13 GMT -5
Thanks Virgo, will send you one. be watching. Linda
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Post by loulou1fla on Jul 6, 2010 17:30:40 GMT -5
Sighted (1) male RT this a.m., (July 6, 2010) at about 9:30. Was at Purple Porterweed, Firebush and Butterfly bush. I was very shocked when I just casually looked out and saw him......What a nice surprise !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by jswillis60 on Aug 11, 2010 17:54:48 GMT -5
We saw a Ruby Throated Hummingbird today, Aug 11 at 6:30PM. Believe it is a female. We suspect she has been here for about a week but the hot weather has kept us inside more than usual so... We had two feeders out (keeping them clean is a chore, as you all know) for the last couple of weeks. We put out another, for a total of three. She was primarily on firebush, we have 5 in our back yard, two of them quite large. Jennifer
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Post by jswillis60 on Aug 17, 2010 10:02:41 GMT -5
The female was back Sunday, August 15. Late afternoon hours. No interest in the feeders.
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