All About Hummingbirds - Resources, Videos, & More!

[HomesteaderWife]

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Here is some information to help you learn about making nectar for your hummers, and keeping feeders clean. Videos courtesy of Hummingbird Spot on YouTube. I really enjoy her channel, and the resources to educate hummingbird lovers.

Keep those feeders free of red dyes, and make your own nectar with the correct sugars (not artificial sweeteners, molasses, or honey)

 

[HomesteaderWife]

There are over 300 recognized species of hummingbird - and they are unique to the Americas (North, Central, and South).

Cornell's "All About Birds" page showcases some of the beautiful hummers of North America.

There are so many beautiful, colorful, and sometimes rare varieties. While my favorite is the Rufous-crested Coquette for the colorful feathers on its head - many people are taken aback to discover the Marvelous Spatuletail and its unqiue tail-feathers.

 

[Byrd gal]

Thanks for the post. I was buying the bad stuff unaware I could just make my own without dye. Never thought about it really. I am sure we will have happier birds here now I can make it and put more feeders out.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@Byrd gal - That is wonderful!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

If anyone comes across a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest this year please let me know!

So far, we have yet to have any visitors this year. Fingers crossed for one soon!

 

[Alyssa-Bee]

Thank you for the post! I sometimes used red dye! I will definitely stop now! I'm excited for the hummingbirds, too! So far I haven't seen any!

This is a picture from last year! I was obviously bothering him/her. Mama hummingbird came so I had to leave shortly after taking the picture. I'm sorry for bothering you, little one! They had a nest in our plum tree, so when the plums grew on it they weighed down the branches to eye level.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@Alyssa-Bee - Thank you for sharing that precious photo, wow! What a beautiful nest. I'm so glad to hear of another person turning away those red dyes. I use the simple 4:1 ratio and make my nectar at home - it's very easy to do!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Emerald the Allen's Hummingbird has just laid her first egg this morning of brood/clutch #2 - watch live with me!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Egg #2 has just been laid at the camera shown above. The wait during incubation will be around 17-22 days, but then it will be time to watch for hatch!