HUMMINGBIRD HAPPENINGS       AUGUST 2007 

Wow!!  August is the time to really observe our Ruby Throated Hummingbirds.  Most adult hummingbirds have raised their two young and the fledglings are busy working on their flying abilities….zooming, chasing each other or investigating your feeders and flowers.  In my Derry, NH backyard…the action is amazing!  I have two feeders filled with sugar water (one part sugar and three parts water).  All day long, the cute little birds dive and dance before my eyes……one dominant male chases everyone away from feeders and flowers, he just finds a perch high in a tree and watches for any hummingbird movement …….in fact, he actually chases goldfinches, chickadees and catbirds, if they come near HIS domain!  Every now and then, he gets distracted and the others get to feed.

My daily observations have had some very exciting results: 
Hummingbirds chase each other and their young to get them ready for the stressful, long journey to their winter habitat….exercising their wings and stamina.    

Male hummingbirds tend to guard their sugar feeders and constantly patrol the area, making sure that he has control of his food source. 

Female hummingbirds love the flowers in my garden and try each and every bloom, no matter what color or shape, she feeds low and sips nectar from Bee Balm, Dahlias, Sweet Peas, Lobelia, Million Bells, Petunias, Turtle Head and Lantana!  Occasionally, she will drink from the feeder….but seems very happy with flowers!

Moral of story:
The boys head for the fast meal!
The girls tend to work a little harder for the feast and enjoy some culinary diversity!




Enjoy our beautiful Ruby Throated Hummingbirds!

Michelle Mensinger
NHFGC/NER Bird and Butterfly Chairman
Members of National Garden Clubs, Inc.