Unexpected: First one this year

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Today I saw my first hummer at a feeder. As always for a first sighting, a mere accident I was at the sink when he was there. Don't know when I'll see one again, as the odds of one of them being there while I'm there is very small unless I hang around at dusk. Just glad one stopped by to let me know they're really out there.

But I've been changing things to make them more hummer-friendly as I thought of things. Some of the changes:

1. Thought maybe some would be timid to come *into* the deck, so bought a couple of those levered plant hangers that swivel out from the deck to hang feeders from. Makes the feeders more visible from the yard where the birds are, also accessible without coming into the deck.

2. Planted every kind of red flower I could think of one the deck, including hummer favorites like salvias, cupheas, bouvardia ternifolia. Right now only Salvia splendens in bloom, but it's right under the feeder. Nothing subtle about me :)

3. Red Honeysuckle 'Major Wheeler' in full bloom against the deck and lattice. Can't say enough good about this vine. Is gorgeous all summer into frost. Last summer it was constantly in use as a feeding and hiding place for hummers.

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mehitabel zone 6
Original Author

11 years ago

Robert, it seems to be a question of actually catching them at the feeder. They must be out there, or we wouldn't see them at all, instead of infrequently.

Hey, Downies even things out! :) I love Downies. Haven't seen any here, tho they must be out there, as we have a tiny woods behind the house. In our old house we used to put out suet for them, and the Papa would bring the babies to teach them where to eat. It was lovely. Seems too hard to do that here, as the yard is too steep.

Keep the feeder out and fresh, and one day you'll get a wonderful surprise.

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Comments (9)

shillanorth Z4 AB
11 years ago
How exciting for you!! And kudos to you for all of the hummerific plants!!!!
mehitabel zone 6
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
hey, shilla.:)

Yes, I went hog wild on the tender hummer plants this year. It's Robert's fault :D

I've seen you recommending Major Wheeler/Alabama Crimson. You are so right. It is so fabulous in real life. Everyone should have one if they have room.
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Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Yay! So glad you finally saw one. We saw one at a party the other week on a feeder out on the deck. It was a gorgeous male and although he wasn't at our house I was thrilled nonetheless. My partner saw one in our yard on Monday night while he was under the arbor and I was out in the yard watering but of course I didn't see it. Still I'm sure it's just a matter of time. :)

I saw a red shrimp plant at a local nursery (Justicia brandegeeana) and was really tempted to get one but passed since I already have so many plants this year but knowing me I'll probably go back and get one. Laugh.
shillanorth Z4 AB
11 years ago
Anything and everything goes to attract these little beauties!!!
mehitabel zone 6
Original Author
11 years ago
shilla, I love to see them dashing around the yard chasing each other I did have a few more last year, and hoping for more each year.
Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
11 years ago
I can't wait to see them chasing each other this year!

Broke down and bought the shrimp plant (yea yea...that didn't last long). Like a fool I left it outside last night during the torrential rains we had and now the poor thing needs to be staked. They're such fragile and tender plants. Not really made for our extreme weather. :)
mehitabel zone 6
Original Author
11 years ago
This morning, another one was feeding as I opened the shades. I think this time of year they like it better when the shades are closed, as they can see activity in the house. This is the earliest I've ever seen them feeding. Put out another feeder on the deck and one below, for three. Just in case more want to come :)
Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
11 years ago
Congrats! Of course I'm jealous. This morning I went ahead and changed the nectar in my feeder even though I still haven't seen one in our yard. At least the Downy Woodpecker enjoys it! :)