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Post by ljmom on Jan 11, 2015 9:51:38 GMT -5
Hello everyone is there a specific season for hummingbirds in south florida? for example are they here mostly in spring etc.? I am trying build a log of flora and fauna specific to south florida but by seasons. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
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Post by Joe M on Jan 11, 2015 10:10:28 GMT -5
Hello everyone is there a specific season for hummingbirds in south florida? for example are they here mostly in spring etc.? I am trying build a log of flora and fauna specific to south florida but by seasons. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Mostly late Sep. thru Mar. in south FL (over-wintering birds)! Very few summer sightings south of Tampa Bay across to Vero Beach .
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Post by ljmom on Jan 11, 2015 14:02:23 GMT -5
thanks so much!!
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suzz
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Post by suzz on Mar 14, 2015 15:42:35 GMT -5
I am in Winter Park , Florida zone 9b , just north of Orlando. Got my first hummers last march after trying for several years. We typically get them here March through October. I have two( juvenile Rubythroats I believe, that have stayed all through the Winter. I am thrilled. I have many plants and 8 feeders to keep them interested. I am hoping to have more in the next day or so, since March is when they usually arrive. Thrilled with my little friends, Suzanne Pope
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Post by Joe M on Apr 13, 2015 16:12:29 GMT -5
I am in Winter Park , Florida zone 9b , just north of Orlando. Got my first hummers last march after trying for several years. We typically get them here March through October. I have two( juvenile Rubythroats I believe, that have stayed all through the Winter. I am thrilled. I have many plants and 8 feeders to keep them interested. I am hoping to have more in the next day or so, since March is when they usually arrive. Thrilled with my little friends, Suzanne Pope Folks are always asking about when to expect Hummingbirds in FL? FL is different than many of the states to our North that only have a Hummingbird population and breeding population in the summer months. Some areas of Fl have very few hummers in the summer months, and if you live in those areas you may see virtually no hummers during the summer months (May-Sep.). The areas I refer to are the Panhandle of FL and south Fl from the "green swamp" south (south of I-4 which bisects central FL). Northern FL with the exception of the FL Panhandle gets a reasonable number of Hummingbird reports during the summer months but far fewer than reports in our Northern States in the eastern US! I don't bother with feeders in the summer months here in Lakeland (South of I-4), a waste of time as far as I'm concerned! They have too many other nectar options available to them! I would prefer to see folks put feeders out during the winter months in Fl (October-March), especially those living south of the I-4 corridor! We have numerous "transplants" from northern states that expect hummingbirds in FL to appear and leave as they did at their former residence, doesn't apply in FL! I wish the "transplants" would change their mindset as it applies to their previous hummingbird experience. The Panhandle and south Fl areas have far more activity in the winter months and in these areas those wanting to see hummers ought to have their feeders out! Not only will your chance of having over-wintering hummers in your yard increase, you may well be blessed with "western" hummingbirds that few in our Eastern States ever see. Many western species over-winter in FL and if you don't have a feeder up in the winter months you may well miss a "life bird"! I try to have plants that bloom in the winter months and keep feeders out in the winter months with mixed success but I have had 5 verified species in the past 20 years, but even if I don't have a western hummer in the winter months I have always had Ruby-throated to keep me entertained for the past 30 years. Our Net Host, Steve B., hosts far more hummers in Valrico, than I do in Lakeland and always seems to have Rufous and Black-chinned in the mix every winter. I have never asked but I think he puts most of his feeders away in the summer, just as I do! Suzanne no doubt notices hummers in the summer (she is north of I-4) but I think she might also notice them in the winter months, as well, as would many of our hummer lovers if they were looking for them in the winter months!
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Post by Kristi on Oct 21, 2016 17:17:08 GMT -5
I just saw the first one of the season around our Cape honeysuckle. They return every year and love red firespike. We live in Cooper City
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Post by uklauren on Jan 29, 2017 17:53:20 GMT -5
I have about 4 hummingbirds feeding on a honeysuckle today, couldn't tell which species, I'm guessing females as they were all pale brown. I have a lot of milkweed and also other flowering plants they are hovering around, a red flowered bush and I think a firebush. Anyway I am in Palm Beach County.
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Post by Wpbserenity on Feb 21, 2017 2:37:34 GMT -5
I have about 4 hummingbirds feeding on a honeysuckle today, couldn't tell which species, I'm guessing females as they were all pale brown. I have a lot of milkweed and also other flowering plants they are hovering around, a red flowered bush and I think a firebush. Anyway I am in Palm Beach County. I'm in son also. Trying to attract humming birds. I have the milkweed as well. I have the firespike and honeysickles. What else should I plant.
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ANTHONYSANMARTI.COM
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Post by ANTHONYSANMARTI.COM on Mar 11, 2017 15:40:58 GMT -5
I have about 4 hummingbirds feeding on a honeysuckle today, couldn't tell which species, I'm guessing females as they were all pale brown. I have a lot of milkweed and also other flowering plants they are hovering around, a red flowered bush and I think a firebush. Anyway I am in Palm Beach County.
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Post by Esther on Apr 5, 2017 6:56:55 GMT -5
I just say today 4/5/17 the first red headed hummingbird with its female on our feeder and firebush. I also have what my mother called a yellow "trumpet plant, and a Hope they stay with me here in Jacksonville, Fl. Here is a site for what they call the best 18 feeder plants for these lovelies. www.hummingbirdsociety.org/hummingbird-flowers/
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Post by Nell on Apr 9, 2017 18:00:13 GMT -5
I hope I'm not too late here in Marion County, just hung up 4 feeders. We've had 4 or 5 Ruby Throated, at least one male, last summer. I should have noted the date last year - when a female flew up in our faces while we sat on the back deck as if to say, HEY! I'm here, feed me!
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Post by Nell on Apr 10, 2017 18:45:40 GMT -5
Woo hoo, saw a female Ruby Throated at the feeder outside my home office several times this morning.
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Post by Benjamin on Apr 10, 2017 19:13:01 GMT -5
Just got 2 or 3 ruby here in Gainesville yesterday. Using a feeder.
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Post by Joe M on Apr 11, 2017 16:52:57 GMT -5
For those in Marion and Alachua Co. you should know that Hummingbirds are pretty much present year round!
Summer birds may not be the same as the overwintering birds, we just don't know. Breeding takes place throughout north-central FL and overwintering birds are also commonly reported in Ocala and Gainesville (Nov.-Mar.).
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Post by Diane Wright on Apr 14, 2017 18:16:04 GMT -5
I live in Brandon, FL (near Valrico).Do you all think it is too late in the season to putt out some feeders this weekend!! How long does it take for them to realize you have the feeders? I SO want to attract some hummers!! Also, do I need to keep the hummer feeders away from my other backyard bird feeders?
THanks all, Diane
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Post by Steve Backes on Apr 15, 2017 7:55:09 GMT -5
Diane,
I'm in Valrico. I host many wintering hummingbirds but don't resident hummingbirds between April and June. On the other hand, they breed in the Fishhawk area and along the Alafia River. The best I can tell you is to hang a feeder and see if any show up. Landscaping with hummingbird friendly plants is more important than hanging feeders. Once the landscaping attracts the hummingbirds, the feeders brings them to where you can see them.
Seed eating birds do not affect hummingbirds. I have multiple types of feeders on the same hooks. It will sometimes take a season (year) for hummingbirds to find a yard. It depends in what time of the bird's cycle the feeder is introduced. If summer residents are already on site, they won't likely move to your feeder. Unless, they're already next door. As fledgling birds disperse in June or July, they may find your feeders/yard before they head south. Actually, feeder usage is learned so young birds don't typically use feeders their first fall.
So, the quick answer is begin landscaping for them and hang feeders. Don't let the solution sour so clean and replace the solution every other day. Not much solution will be used so just fill it with enough that you can see it in the feeder.
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Post by Mari on Apr 19, 2017 6:08:19 GMT -5
I live in Wellington. This year hummingbirds came in around September and I still have a female a my feeder! Wonder if she'll be here all summer???
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Post by Joe M on Apr 19, 2017 18:42:21 GMT -5
Mari, Hard to tell if she will stay around. It would be unusual if she did since we receive few reports of hummer activity in south FL in the summer months. It would be terrific if she did and probably indicates she met up with a likeable male and decided to nest in your area. However that would be a rare event in your area. Keep us informed!
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Post by Pablo on Apr 21, 2017 7:16:23 GMT -5
Hello everyone. I live in Apopka and am one of those Northerners that moved here. Last year I had a few hummers that stayed until late January. I took the feeders down, and just put them back up 2 weeks ago. I have some bright red plastic pieces I put near the feeders, but have not seen any birds yet. Should I have left the feeders up, or will I need to put them away until Aug-Sept?
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Post by Joan E C on Apr 27, 2017 9:56:55 GMT -5
When is the best time to see the humming birds in the Bradenton area?
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Post by John H.C. on Apr 28, 2017 12:08:58 GMT -5
And Sarasota also?
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Post by Joe M on Apr 28, 2017 14:33:05 GMT -5
Folks, I wrote a tome on Mar. 14, 2015 on this link and its still accurate, in my mind. Scrolling back up will take you to my comments and hopefully answer some or most of your questions. FL is not a "Hot spot" for hummingbirds, in terms of numbers, but we do get our share and also "overwintering birds" including western species that few east of the Mississippi ever see.
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spb
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by spb on May 8, 2017 19:49:22 GMT -5
I live in St. Pete Beach. On Saturday, May 6, 2017, I noticed a hummingbird buzzing around my flame bush. I had kept my feeder out March and April for the occasional migrating hummingbird that regularly passes through for a few days. I rushed and got my feeder back up and this hummingbird (I took several pictures) has been sitting in my tree since then. Is this usual? It would feed quite often from the feeder and flowers and then return to its perch. I don't know where it went Sat. and Sun. nights. It may have left this afternoon; I won't be sure until tomorrow. Is this normal? I'm not sure what kind it is - by my bird book, it is a female and looks like either a ruby throated (although it isn't green, just a little green shimmer down its back) or a black chinned? Have you heard of one perching throughout most of the day? I've been thrilled by its' presence and am sad that it may have gone on its way.
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Post by jen on May 9, 2017 18:54:12 GMT -5
I live on Pine Island..SW Florida. I have so many hummingbirds in my yard! I have lived in the same house for over 20 years and maybe see 1 a year! They have been here for the past 3 days feeding like crazy. I'd say I have at least 15 of them. Maybe more. I have seen them on both ends of the island the past few days. I am just thrilled!
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Post by Mfortune on May 12, 2017 16:45:47 GMT -5
I live on Pine Island..SW Florida. I have so many hummingbirds in my yard! I have lived in the same house for over 20 years and maybe see 1 a year! They have been here for the past 3 days feeding like crazy. I'd say I have at least 15 of them. Maybe more. I have seen them on both ends of the island the past few days. I am just thrilled!
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Post by Mfortune on May 12, 2017 16:48:26 GMT -5
To Jen of Pine Island, I live really close! I'm just learning of humming birds. I just put out 4 feeders unsure if they will bring me hummers. I certainly hope if isn't too late! I guess I'll wait and see. Any recommendations? I am in a gated community and hung the feeders on large (huge, tall, overgrown) bushes. Any advice is appreciated! Thx!
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Post by Joe M on May 14, 2017 17:21:18 GMT -5
I live on Pine Island..SW Florida. I have so many hummingbirds in my yard! I have lived in the same house for over 20 years and maybe see 1 a year! They have been here for the past 3 days feeding like crazy. I'd say I have at least 15 of them. Maybe more. I have seen them on both ends of the island the past few days. I am just thrilled!
Jen, you may be the beneficiary of a very late "landfall" of hummers crossing the Gulf. Please keep us appraised if they are still around 2-3 weeks from now! A little unusual but possible!
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Post by Dianna on Jun 20, 2017 17:02:03 GMT -5
Just visited by a hummer believe it was a black chinned at firecracker bush it is June 20 2017
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Post by Joe M on Jun 22, 2017 16:07:58 GMT -5
Just visited by a hummer believe it was a black chinned at firecracker bush it is June 20 2017 Dianna, the likelihood of your having seen a Black-chinned hummingbird this time of the year is very remote. Almost certainly you observed a male Ruby-throat without the benefit of light striking his gorget directly and his gorget appearing black! Without good lighting a Ruby-throat's gorget will appear to be "black" to the human eye if conditions are less than optimum. I don't believe there has ever been a confirmed, credible Black-chin report in FL during the summer months. We do get a few during the winter months, Nov.- Mar., they are very much exclusively a western species with the exception of a few that wander and overwinter in FL during the winter months. I will add that your sighting of a hummer is terrific regardless of species since I don't see many except for the winter months. Unfortunately for FL residents, they don't see a lot of hummers in the summer months as most folks in the more northern states do. My experience in FL has always been that I see more hummers, including western rarities in the winter months. They are around in the summer but except for some local areas in northern FL they are not observed every day.
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Post by Bill W. on Jul 1, 2017 7:05:41 GMT -5
Live in S. Florida. New to the HB watch activity. Should we put out a feeder in the summer?
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