Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?

   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #33  
We have about the same - 20 or 30 and that varies from day to day, week to week as always. Been feeding them on the front porch here for 11 years, 2 feeders that hold a quart each and I have to refill every 24 hrs. for most of the season. They look in our windows if we're inside and look for me if I'm outside working if they run out. They will drink right from the stream as I pour the water into the feeder sometimes. In years past, the last to stop in is usually right before Halloween.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #34  
The hummingbirds that have to cross the Gulf of Mexico during migration are subject to storms. Opposite of the thread topic is having a down year due to many not making the crossing. Food for fueling up along the way to the coast makes a difference as well.

We are in our second year of feeding at a new house. We had maybe a half a dozen last year and are about double that or so this year what with new young ones. This house is 25 miles due west of our previous one where we hosted about 30 every year. Seems like the numbers start dropping around mid September and we leave feeders up into October just in case.

Knowing that the hummers' migrate to Mexico and the Yucatan; I was amazed to be sitting at a restaurant at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy one time and seeing them work some feeders.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #35  
Daredevil, Stunt Pilot and Comedian all rolled into one tiny package that works harder everyday than most of use do. They signal Spring and Fall. I expect about another three weeks of their entertainment engagement.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #36  
Thanks Six - I was worried about the last couple of pairs - catching the last train going south. Haven't seen any in two days now - as suggested, I will keep the feeder up for those who may be passing thru on their trip south. In this part of the world and this time of year - there is absolutely NOTHING for the HB's to feed on.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?
  • Thread Starter
#37  
Thanks Six - I was worried about the last couple of pairs - catching the last train going south. Haven't seen any in two days now - as suggested, I will keep the feeder up for those who may be passing thru on their trip south. In this part of the world and this time of year - there is absolutely NOTHING for the HB's to feed on.

Wife, who knows everything, tells me they eat bugs too. Seeds too. I think the feeders are better and faster and assist in the trip south, however.

On the return trip, they remember where the feeders are, so get them up early in the spring before you see birds. Don't dally. Wife says they have scouts in the spring that pass the word on where the food is and feeders up early is supposed to mean more birds.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #38  
Thanks Six - I was worried about the last couple of pairs - catching the last train going south. Haven't seen any in two days now - as suggested, I will keep the feeder up for those who may be passing thru on their trip south. In this part of the world and this time of year - there is absolutely NOTHING for the HB's to feed on.


I still have quite a few flowers in bloom, some I've planed just for them. As others have noted, my regulars will disappear first and I won't have any for a week or two, then another influx for a few days. That period can get quite entertaining.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?
  • Thread Starter
#39  
We used to plant about 125 running feet of a small red vining flower that attracted humming birds. We let them climb on the 16' long hog or cattle fence panels the farm stores sell. The hummers really liked them. The plants were an impressive sight, but the feeders were a strong attraction as well.

I can't remember the name of those flowers but every night all the flowers dropped off and every morning new ones opened up. Wife is out now but upon return she will know and I will post the variety.


Also, we've seen birds show up just before dawn and even in the rain and near dark. Humans aren't looking then and may not see the bird coming around.
 
   / Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year? #40  
We used to plant about 125 running feet of a small red vining flower that attracted humming birds. We let them climb on the 16' long hog or cattle fence panels the farm stores sell. The hummers really liked them. The plants were an impressive sight, but the feeders were a strong attraction as well.

I can't remember the name of those flowers but every night all the flowers dropped off and every morning new ones opened up. Wife is out now but upon return she will know and I will post the variety.


Also, we've seen birds show up just before dawn and even in the rain and near dark. Humans aren't looking then and may not see the bird coming around.

Trumpet vine?
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2018 John Deere R4038 Self Propelled Sprayer (A50657)
2018 John Deere...
2014 KENWORTH T800 SLEEPER CAB (A50854)
2014 KENWORTH T800...
2016 Case CX55B Mini Excavator (A49461)
2016 Case CX55B...
2021 FORD F-150 XL EXT CAB TRUCK (A51406)
2021 FORD F-150 XL...
Unused 2025 CFG QK16R Mini Excavator (A49461)
Unused 2025 CFG...
2012 FORD F-650 SUPER DUTY BOX TRUCK (A51243)
2012 FORD F-650...
 
Top