The elusive hummingbird
by Jennifer Howard, Naturalist/photographer

As the summer draws to an end, we are all noticing a change in birding activities around us. This last spring, our little ruby throated hummingbird arrived on schedule on May 8th. The birding here at the point was different. We had our male arrive first as usual and the female followed a couple days later. But l hardly saw them all summer. The female would come to feed once in a while. As always l had the hanging baskets waiting there arrival along with the feeders. l start with a mixture of three cups boiling water to one cup of white sugar, adjusting that over two to three weeks to four cups of water to one of sugar. Never add red food coloring as it can harm the hummers in time, causing a fungus on their tongues. They do not need the red in the feeders. Ideally natural plants are best. Hummers love jewelweed,trumpet vines, phlox, petunias, lilies, honeysuckle, bee balm, and I planted some turtlehead that is just coming into bloom, it has proven to be quite popular as well.

Ruby throated hummingbirds "archilochus colubris" a mere 8-10 cm in length, wingspan of 11 cm, weighing in at 3.o g. Wings beating at up to 75 beats per second. Nests are a soft tiny cup attached to a branch the size of about a loonie, usually with two tiny babies, incubated by the female for about 11 too 16 days. Born "altricial" which means the young are born helpless, naked, eyes closed and entirely dependent on the parent. Babies are usually in the nest for about 20 to 22 days before leaving being fed solely by the female.

Although we hardly saw our hummers this summer, mid August brought on the female, followed a week later by three little hummingbirds. This was a very busy time at the flowers and feeders. We so enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the antics of these babies playing, checking us out withing 15-20 inches away,chasing each other chattering away and learning how to survive. September 1st the male arrived to the group. These are truly magnificent little birds who will soon be making that long journey south. l have vacationed in Cuba and sat and watched our ruby throated hummingbirds as they enjoy the warmth.

I have held one in my hand because it got into my screened in porch attracted by a red flower l had on the table, light as a feather and so fragile. A moment l will never forget. As I cupped her in my hand she knew l was not going to hurt her but set her free. I no longer put flowers on my porch. But my garden is there for them. Keeping the feeders clean in the hot summer days is important and rinsing with hot water and a brush is all that is needed. So as the days of fall approach us keep those feeders going and enjoy the hummingbirds visits, because soon they will be making way to a warmer place, facing lots of obstacles along the way, a truly amazing journey for such a tiny bird.

And next spring,don't forget to have those hanging baskets awaiting their arrival back and the feeders full.

The life cycle begins yet one more time!