The Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Are Migrating
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are moving though our county in great numbers. I have more than I can count visiting my feeders and flowers...although the numbers do vary daily. They move in...stay a while to refuel and move on...but not without giving us a fun show!
We should continue to have them move though Bartow County until a few days into October. To help them fatten up for their long journey to Central and South America...I up the sugar from 1/4 to 1/3 per cup of water at this time. It isn't to late to put up a feeder and they are on sale at many of our local stores.
My video was taken a week ago. They are still swarming like bees. I also have included photos taken yesterday of a hummer sharing a feeder with wasp! Plus...I got a picture of three sharing a feeder. This sharing the feeder only happens during the fall migration.
Interesting Fact: Hummingbirds only use their feet for perching. They do not walk.
Hope y'all are enjoying the hummers as much as I am!!!
Happy Birding!
Jean is a host on Birds & Blooms Magazine’s Community Forums and is the lone, bird crazy author of the blog The Joy of Bird Watching and Living a Simple Life.
Bill Thrasher
1:12 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
I saw a strange bird while in TX on business years ago and a native from Austin informed me that it was a "Grackle". Looks like a crow but with spots. I just saw a couple here and wondered if you are familiar with that bird. I can tell you that this bird is obviously equipped with a bombsight.
Jean Pell
9:39 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Hi Bill, The Common Grackle is one of our year-round birds. Only once have I seen one visit my feeders and that was due to a nice blanket of snow on the ground. They do have odd looking yellow eyes but in the right light the males' become multicolored beauties.
Thanks for sharing the sighting. I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of these odd looking birds again.