North American Hummingbirds
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Beautiful, Beautiful Hummingbirds
I love to watch the hummingbirds flutter through my flower beds. Some are as tiny as a butterfly and their wings beat faster than the speed of light ... not really, but they can flap their wings up to 90 times a second (depending on the species) and that's fast. Sometimes I get tired just watching them. Their aerial ballet is a treat to see. They will hover for a moment, and then dart off so fast that I question whether or not I actually saw it. It is the only bird I know of that can fly upside down and backward.
They fascinate me.
Of the 300 plus hummingbirds known to man, there are sixteen that are endemic to the United States. In this lens I will talk about hummingbirds in general, their characteristics habits, and then focus in on some of my favorites.
I Love Hummingbirds!
I'm Magnificent!
They Love the Flowers
Hummingbirds are a part of the Trochilidae family. They feed on the nectar of plants, especially tubular flowers such as trumpet vine. They use their long, straight bills to access the sweet nectar within. The flowers use the nectar to attract the hummingbirds and bees for pollination. 
Although the hummingbird can see up to the near ultra-violet range, it's the nectar producing flowers in red, orange and pink that usually catches their attention.
Hot Pink!
While the nectar is a sweet treat, it is only a part of the hummingbird's diet. The nectar does not provide all the nutrients it needs. They need protein and amino acids, especially during reproduction. They feed on flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies and gnats. 
Add a Splash of Red
Nesting
Like the hummingbird, their nest is small. Some are no bigger than a half of a walnut shell. It is usually a cup shaped nest attached to a branch of a tree or 
shrub. The female will lay two eggs, and they are incubated for approximately eighteen days. As with many species of birds, the male rarely takes its turn incubating the eggs, but when it comes to providing for the nestlings, it's usually a joint effort. Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Hummingbirds are attracted by the flowers. A garden full of vibrant red, orange, and pink flowers will do more to attract the hummingbirds than any number of feeders. The feeders do have their purpose. Once they've settled in your garden, they'll look at your feeder as a reliable source of nectar. Nothing will turn them away faster than have a feeder empty more times than not. Plant your flowers first, and then hang up a feeder.
Beautiful Hummingbird Feeders for Your Garden
Don't Forget the Nectar
Homestead Nectar Hummingbird
Amazon Price: $3.79 (as of 06/02/2012)
The Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird was once thought to be limited to the Western United States, but it has become a common sight here in South Carolina. Scientists suspect that an occasional 
bird would lose its bearings during migration and end up on the east coast instead of down south.Winters in South Carolina are cool but not cold. For all its diminutive size, the Rufous Hummingbird is a hardy little bugger. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees. They survived and multiplied passing their new flight pattern on to their young. Today the Rufous Hummingbird is a fairly common sight in South Carolina.
Attracting Birds and Butterflies
National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Backyard Wildlife (Landscaping)
Amazon Price: $2.18 (as of 06/02/2012)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been a long time resident of South Carolina. It is a beautiful bird with metallic green feathers and a distinctive iridescent ruby red throat. They spend the summers in the deciduous and pine forests, orchard and gardens along the Eastern Seaboard. Come fall, they migrate south. Some will winter in Georgia and Florida, but most settle in Mexico and Central America during the winter months.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a rare visitor to my back yard. Most sightings have been in the fall when they stop at my feeder to refuel on their southward trek. I have no evidence to back it up, but I don't think they care for the sultry heat of coastal South Carolina. Most that stay in South Carolina for the summer settle in the upstate, not along the coastline.
It's a jewel on wings.
I love watching the hummingbirds, though I have to admit I've had trouble attracting them to my yard for any length of time. The use my garden and nectar feeder to refuel, but rarely stay more than a day or two. I'll spot them in October and occasionally in April, but rarely see one in July.Part of the problem is my garden. I don't have enough flowers blooming during the hottest part of the summer. It's something I need to work on. I want them to come, and I want them to stay. I don't need another feeder. I need more flowers.
It's time to dig another flowerbed.
Peterson's Field Guide to Birds
Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America (Peterson Field Guides)
Amazon Price: $10.55 (as of 06/02/2012)
Peterson's Field Guide to Birds is an absolute must have for anyone with a birdfeeder and an interest in watching the birds.
Plant a Garden and the Birds Will Come
Canon Digital Rebel
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - Black
Amazon Price: $600.00 (as of 06/02/2012)
I have used a simple point and shoot camera for years. They're great for taking pictures at family gatherings and picnics, but when it came to photographing wildlife, I was always disappointed with the results. I couldn't get a close-up without compromising the quality of the picture. I started researching cameras and came up with the Canon Rebel. It's a step above the POINT and SHOOT but not so complicated that it ends up setting on the shelf.
What kind of hummingbirds visit your yard?
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GentlemenGogoVEVO Apr 29, 2012 @ 6:19 am | delete
- Fantastic i love so much your job
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projcol
Apr 2, 2010 @ 6:04 am | delete
- Wow!!! What nice Hummingbirds you have add here. Really I love very much. Most helpful information to lens.
Thanks for sharing a beautiful lens.
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naturegirl7 Mar 22, 2010 @ 11:44 am | delete
- Beautiful lens. We have featured it on Early Spring Nature Walk ( http://www.squidoo.com/early-spring-nature-walk ).
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KarateKatGraphics
Oct 5, 2009 @ 11:10 pm | delete
- I wish we had more of these in Chicago! One of the many pleasures of going to N.C. in the summers is seeing these little cuties. They're so cool.
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Tipi
Jun 4, 2009 @ 7:07 pm | in reply to AndyPo | delete
- That's just so cute Andy! - Lizzy, I love Hummingbirds! They can be so friendly and a pest. They love to check us out if we'll sit still for them! - Lovely lens!
Susie
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About the Author
Bird Watcher's Digest
Bird Watchers Digest
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 06/02/2012)
Keep current with what's happening in the birding world. Bird Watcher's Digest offers great articles and pictures, as well as information on conservation efforts and research. I receive several birding magazines each month but its Bird Watcher's that has me dropping everything to sit down and read.
6 issues/12 months
Resources used to construct this page.
Peterson, T.P. & Peterson, V.M. 2002. Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, N.Y.
Sallabanks, R., and R. C. James. 1999. The Birds of North America, (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
by ElizabethJeanAllen
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