This is an Allen’s hummingbird, and it is feeding from a spice jar with a red lid.
Where I live, the only species of hummingbird that lives here during summer is the ruby-throated species.
In the West, the number species is far higher.
And in Central and South America, well, the number is just too much for me to consider.
I once held an Anna’s Hummingbird in my hand after it crashed into the window right next to me. Sadly it perished, but I was amazed that I couldn’t actually feel the weight of the bird in my hand.
I froze the little fellow and donated it to an educational conservation group.
The Ruby-throated get down right possessive of the feeders on our porch. And don’t mind us hanging out next to the feeders. And if you are wearing red, will inspect, in case the “mother of all hummingbird feeders” showed up.
Always keep the garage doors closed in hummingbird season. We have had to assist one outside on occasion. You are right, Chris, you can not feel them when holding them in your hand.
Awsome flyers, nearly as acrobatic as barn swallows, cheerful and chattering all the while.
What exactly is it that attracts the humming bird to the feeder? Scent? Color?
Color – of the feeder, maybe a little. We put a cup of sugar in a four cup measuring cup, fill it with hot water, stir well, and let it cool completely. No food coloring/dye needed – once they know where you hang the feeder…
Tip: if you buy a feeder, get the clear glass kind, with the simplest, easiest to clean base you can find. You will be cleaning it often during the hottest months.
Tip 2: not that they are common anymore…fashion an ant trap from a film canister. Fashion an “S” hook from heavy wire, run it through the center of the bottom of the canister. Line the rim of the canister with petroleum jelly, and hang it such that the canister is upright, forming a trap that keeps ants from getting to the feeder.
Tip 3: Wasps like sugar water, too. Beat ’em up, the hummers don’t like to mess with them.
Ahh, a nice summer project for the kids. Thanks
great video and the birds eating right out of your hand.