Many years ago, when I put out my first hummingbird feeder as an experiment (never having seen a hummingbird around the yard), I was stunned to find a hummingbird attempting to get at the feeder as I stood deciding where to hang it. That certainly answered any questions I had about whether there were hummers around the yard and whether they adapted to feeders easily.
I have enjoyed my hummers every year since, having between 3 and 5 hummers in the yard. One year I even found a tiny nest in a 6' cedar sapling I was about to remove. The cedar remains there to this day, about 15' tall now. If the hummers like to nest there, I sure won't bother it.
Well, today, I had a replication of the original experience. I regularly provide new nectar every 2-3 days. I was carrying a fresh feeder out to the back toolshed and lifting it toward the hanger when a hummer came by anxious to feed from it!
It whirrred around the feeder and looked at me from 10,000 different directions. So there I was, standing there like the Statue of Liberty, holding the feeder as motionless as I could. It finally chickened out and went to the salvias (which they love). I gratefully hung the feeder up and took the long way around the garden so as not to pass near the salvias.
It was a rare moment, and one that I will cherish.
2 comments:
How cool. Wish we had more hummers in our yard.
I've had the same expierence a couple of times. The first time I thought that it was a huge bee/wasp trying to get me! Thankfully, I didn't swat at it. I'm not sure if we get any up here in MT....I'll have to look into it for next spring.
~LSP Momma Becca
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