Hummingbirds...

Little flying jewels that speed through the air, and beware if you're wearing a red hat, you may get zinged along the way. But they mean no harm, in fact, if you're lucky (blessed) enough, and they are brave enough, you may have one come drink directly out of your hand. I've had that experience _once_ and it was pure magic!

This year, I decided to put the feeders out, again, as usual. Though I don't have the many many feeders I normally have (gave some away, the bear broke one, I broke one, argh!) I bought 2 mini ones at a store, and have since decided they are the best thing since sliced bread! Seriously, they keep the food fresh (I refill mine every 2 days - sometimes day and a half!), it does not take up a lot of space, and its awesome for window boxes or flower containers.

I used a huge shepherd hook, and hung one directly on my bedroom window, and it faces inward, so the birds get some relief from the sometimes insane winds. And you hear them comin'! At first, I kept forgetting and I'd be omgosh a BEE! but soon, I learned to turn real slow, and watch with pleasure as they drank and drank. The feeders don't come with perches. I made these myself, as I felt bad that the little guys had to remain in motion while drinking. It took a couple of tries and readjustments but voila!

If you are wondering how to attract hummers, plant red flowers, especially tubular ones (those with a deep throat, such as, columbines, honeysuckle, geranium even, bee balm is a favorite (of butterflies too!). And there are many more. Not only will you get to see these gorgeous tiny birds, but they will work their magic and eat TONS of bugs for you! (same with dragonflies they loooove bugs!) consider planting a flower garden designed towards hummers and butterflies and songbirds, and when fall comes, let the plants go to seed, and don't clean everything up antiseptically! leave the seedheads up, to serve as food for the birds during the winter! Its well worth it.

If you do put a hummer feeder out, give it a week, sometimes 2 for the birds to add you to their feeding route. Sometimes, its same day service, so keep a lookout. Change the feed solution every week at the most (usually, I do mine every 2 days as they are empty), however, keep a close look for mold, sirupy texture, or fermenting smells (like wine or yeast) that is a wayyyy overdue feeder. Clean it thoroughly, but without harsh chemicals and rinse it really really well. Think of it this way, would you feed your baby (or yourself) through that bottle? if not, clean again. They can get sick easily, and you are attracting them to feed them not kill them. If you see hummers land at your feeder and take off right away, check the solution. More times than not, its bad. (and it will happen at first. Live and learn :)

So, I thought for today's post, I'd share some hummer pics with you. If I can find the ones from last year (which are really bad lol!) I'll post them as well. Oh, and if you wear any red, be prepared to be investigated. (they don't hurt, they just look like a massive Bee)

Here you go! Enjoy! I sure do!

ps. these were taken about 1.5-2 feet away from the feeder (I'm sitting on my bed, and the camera is on my headboard - but its unfortunately noisy- this guy is getting used to it though. And used to my moving around inside. Soon, I'll lock the cats outside the room and remove the screen. soon. very soon. lol!)

Also, there are 2 hummers that visit this feeder. Scarab, the one with what looks like a scarab on his shoulder, and another that comes and steals a couple of sips (before getting chased away!)