2015 Hummingbirds

beaner · 05-06-2015, 08:15 AM

After a brutal winter and a late spring, we're finally having warm, sunny weather. Any hummingbird sightings yet?

Nagigator · 05-06-2015, 10:04 AM

Saw the male at my feeder yesterday down here in North Central Mass. Have they made it up north yet?

jetlag100 · 05-06-2015, 12:05 PM

Cleaned and ready....we'll see if any show up!

hilltopper · 05-06-2015, 01:54 PM

In Meredith we had our first visitor, a male, Wednesday evening (May 4th). My feeders were cleaned and ready but not yet up as May 5th was the earliest we'd ever had them arrive (with May 8th or 9th being the average). So I got the feeders up and yesterday evening had a male and female frequenting both of the feeders. They're back!

upthesaukee · 05-06-2015, 03:45 PM

Our feeders got put out on Monday, May 4th, in the morning. Had a male at the feeder by supper time. They are creatures of habit. We usually have humminbirds by Mother's day, so it was a little early this year. Location: west side of Alton Bay, just above the lake, and outside Sandy Point.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

gnemiccolo · 05-07-2015, 11:53 AM

Put my feeders up Monday here in Loudon, had a male and female that day. put up second feeder now

riverat · 05-07-2015, 06:06 PM

Had a juvenile feeding today, located halfway between the circle and Johnson's in Alton

beaner · 05-08-2015, 03:22 PM

We put the feeder out Wed evening. We were away Thursday & most of Friday, but this afternoon, we had a very hungry male!

inquiring one · 05-10-2015, 06:18 AM

Wednesday the 6th was the first sighting I had of the hummingbirds this year in Moultonboro.

http://www.audubon.org/bird-family/h...oxtxoCBNzw_wcB

http://animals.pawnation.com/detect-...bird-5599.html

Misha888 · 05-12-2015, 07:30 AM

on Varney Point. We don't use feeders but natural plantings. The hummingbird came right to the door (glass) and looked at me through it and flitted off.

I think it's time to plant. They love the plant that is in the picture.

Note: Photo from last year.

Slickcraft · 05-12-2015, 09:41 AM

A pair showed up on Welch on the 10th. Still have not seen the 2nd pair that is usually there, no fighting at the feeder yet.

Grove84 · 05-12-2015, 11:35 AM

Misha what are the plants in your photo that are attracting the hummingbirds? I would prefer to plan them then hanging the feeders. What does the group suggest for the best food if feeders are used?

beaner · 05-12-2015, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grove84

What does the group suggest for the best food if feeders are used?

The "nectar" recipe I use makes exactly enough to fill an empty 1.75L "Simply Orange" juice bottle:

Place 2 cups of regular table sugar (granulated) and 7-1/2 cups of water in a large saucepan; stir together and heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from the heat and refrigerate. (It will keep in the refridge for a few weeks).

The goal of heating it just to the boiling point is to kill any mold spores in the sugar. You don't want to cook it beyond that point. Also, don't add food coloring; just tie a red ribbon to the feeder and they'll find it.

Finally, for the health & happiness of the birds, it's important to clean the feeder frequently - dump out any uneaten nectar and wash the feeder in warm, soapy water every 3 days if the weather is very warm.

NewHaHagirl · 05-12-2015, 06:44 PM

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Took this a few minutes ago looking east over Sleepers Island. We have quite a few hummingbirds too!

Misha888 · 05-12-2015, 11:36 PM

Lantana camara. They are attracted to the orange/red ones best. Also, best if you keep them in pots. They say they can be evasive . . . can't be anymore evasive than our neighbors bamboo, but better to be safe than sorry. The plants not good for cows either. "Hay" you, never know who's reading this.

We have Lupines and they appear to like the petunia in the hanging boxes. Whatever hanging plants we put up they seem to like. The purple dancing ladies is one of the plants we had last year and they loved it too. I think it is a fuchsia. I can't remember all the other flowers because there are so many. I think I hit on all the hummingbird attractors. And the other photo, I'm drawing a blank but they love them.

Being that we live here year round, it's easier to maintain the flowers. It's a daily ritual that I enjoy. The hummingbirds just float right in front of you and off they go for a drink.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grove84

Misha what are the plants in your photo that are attracting the hummingbirds? I would prefer to plan them then hanging the feeders. What does the group suggest for the best food if feeders are used?

Barney Bear · 05-13-2015, 08:32 AM

We opened our cottage on East Bear Island to begin our forty-eighth season at this wonderful location. Our hummingbird feeder was put out on Friday, and our first visitors arrived on Sunday. It is great to welcome them "home".

minni on winni · 06-04-2015, 07:58 AM

Has anyone been seeing hummingbirds lately?
We were seeing them frequently at the feeders . then last week and this week not at all.
We clean our feeders every 3 days warm weather and every 5 days in the cooler weather
Miss seeing them. Anyone else experiencing this?

dave603 · 06-04-2015, 10:31 AM

They are here in Nashua. hitting the feeder hard too!

hilltopper · 06-04-2015, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minni on winni

Has anyone been seeing hummingbirds lately?
We were seeing them frequently at the feeders . then last week and this week not at all.
We clean our feeders every 3 days warm weather and every 5 days in the cooler weather
Miss seeing them. Anyone else experiencing this?

I've found this to be pretty common this time of year. My assumption is they're busy nest building and breeding and raising their young. I am seeing them now and then but not like earlier. Once the young of the year are big enough to fly they'll be all over the place.

Greene's Basin Girl · 06-04-2015, 01:01 PM

There was one just at my feeder in Moultonborough.

minni on winni · 06-04-2015, 07:35 PM

Will keep a sharp eye here in Meredith bay. Thanks everyone for your replies. Will keep the feeders at the ready!!!!

JTA · 06-04-2015, 10:13 PM

The birds may be on other flowers. I wasn't seeing birds much on my feeder but then noticed they were all over my blueberries.

upthesaukee · 06-05-2015, 07:18 AM

We still have ours coming several times per day. Alton Bay

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Newbiesaukee · 06-06-2015, 05:22 PM

I have three regulars and hey continue to visit, eat and just hang out on hanger at the top of the feeder.

Misha888 · 06-08-2015, 11:58 AM

I know, not exactly a hummingbird but I saw my first one EVER this past weekend. Who knew? Apparently not me.

noreast · 06-12-2015, 06:10 PM

If you plant butterfly bushes you will see many of the moths. They are really pretty but a little scary at first. It's a BIG BUG.

Misha888 · 06-13-2015, 12:17 PM

is a yard of flowers and bushes for butterflies and birds. Very first time ever have I seen them. Still fascinated. Haven't seen another since this one. Better get out there and look. Beauty day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreast

If you plant butterfly bushes you will see many of the moths. They are really pretty but a little scary at first. It's a BIG BUG.

hilltopper · 09-01-2015, 04:29 PM

Bunch of activity at the feeders on Saturday as there has been the past few weeks. Sunday, Monday, and today, nothing. Anyone still seeing any?

Newbiesaukee · 09-01-2015, 04:55 PM

One at my feeder today.

hilltopper · 09-02-2015, 06:33 AM

Yeah, go figure. About a half hour after I posted I had a couple at the feeder. I guess they're sticking around for a few more days.

minni on winni · 09-02-2015, 09:13 AM

I saw a few this am in the flowers and one at the feeder. We are in Meredith bay.
I have seen them in previous years as late as the 18th of September! Love seeing them!

barefootbay · 09-02-2015, 02:43 PM

Still have a couple in Wolfeboro. Expect them to be gone any day. Do they gather in large groups anywhere before the migration like other birds do ?

Airedale1 · 09-03-2015, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misha888

I know, not exactly a hummingbird but I saw my first one EVER this past weekend. Who knew? Apparently not me.

Great capture Misha! That is a Hummingbird Moth, Hemaris thysbe

beaner · 09-16-2015, 10:42 PM

We had one at the feeder at about noon today. Maybe they are enjoying this sunny, warm late summer weather as much as we are!

SteveA · 09-17-2015, 08:23 AM

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As of this morning our pair is still here and active at the feeder.

It's pretty hard to "stop" the wings for photos due to the very fast wing speed. I use a flash, and that helps a little.

Male and female hummingbirds can be identified simply based on the color of their feathers. Male hummingbirds have bright feathers to attract females and to deter males by expressing their dominance. A patch of brightly-colored feathers on the necks of males is known as a gorget. A gorget's color range includes red, purple, orange, blue and pink. When hit with sunlight, the gorget will glisten due to refraction, or the bending of sunlight against the different-sized feathers. Males can make the gorget appear to be black to avoid attracting predators.

Unlike males, female hummingbirds have no bright feathers to display. Females are often brown or dull green in color.

cessnaair · 09-28-2015, 02:10 PM

Taken on Rattlesnake

Island Girl · 09-28-2015, 06:55 PM

I love watching the hummingbirds hover.

Marauder · 09-28-2015, 08:06 PM

Our hummingbirds have been gone for several days now here on Meredith Bay. Sad to see them leave!

Rattlesnake Gal · 09-29-2015, 08:50 AM

I believe that my two left the area a couple weeks ago. I seem to be getting passer bys now.

SteveA and Cessnaair, beautiful captures!

05-06-2015, 08:15 AM	#1
beaner Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 178 Thanks: 17 Thanked 37 Times in 23 Posts	2015 Hummingbirds After a brutal winter and a late spring, we're finally having warm, sunny weather. Any hummingbird sightings yet?

05-06-2015, 10:04 AM	#2
Nagigator Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Ma. Posts: 290 Thanks: 268 Thanked 55 Times in 39 Posts	spotted yesterday Saw the male at my feeder yesterday down here in North Central Mass. Have they made it up north yet?

05-06-2015, 12:05 PM	#3
jetlag100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Revere, Massachusetts and Moultonborough, N.H. Posts: 311 Thanks: 228 Thanked 79 Times in 50 Posts	Humming Birds Cleaned and ready....we'll see if any show up!

05-06-2015, 01:54 PM	#4
hilltopper Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 722 Thanks: 25 Thanked 106 Times in 67 Posts	They're back... In Meredith we had our first visitor, a male, Wednesday evening (May 4th). My feeders were cleaned and ready but not yet up as May 5th was the earliest we'd ever had them arrive (with May 8th or 9th being the average). So I got the feeders up and yesterday evening had a male and female frequenting both of the feeders. They're back!

05-06-2015, 03:45 PM	#5
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,589 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,440 Thanked 1,975 Times in 1,076 Posts	Our feeders got put out on Monday, May 4th, in the morning. Had a male at the feeder by supper time. They are creatures of habit. We usually have humminbirds by Mother's day, so it was a little early this year. Location: west side of Alton Bay, just above the lake, and outside Sandy Point. Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

05-07-2015, 11:53 AM	#6
gnemiccolo Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Loudon,NH-Alton Bay Posts: 28 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 3 Posts	hummers Put my feeders up Monday here in Loudon, had a male and female that day. put up second feeder now

05-07-2015, 06:06 PM	#7
riverat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alton, NH Posts: 722 Thanks: 337 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Had a juvenile feeding today, located halfway between the circle and Johnson's in Alton __________________ Waking up in the morning is the greatest, everything after that is a bonus

05-08-2015, 03:22 PM	#8
beaner Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 178 Thanks: 17 Thanked 37 Times in 23 Posts	hummers are in Wboro We put the feeder out Wed evening. We were away Thursday & most of Friday, but this afternoon, we had a very hungry male!

05-10-2015, 06:18 AM	#9
inquiring one Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: NH Posts: 58 Thanks: 46 Thanked 29 Times in 11 Posts	Wednesday the 6th was the first sighting I had of the hummingbirds this year in Moultonboro. http://www.audubon.org/bird-family/h...oxtxoCBNzw_wcB http://animals.pawnation.com/detect-...bird-5599.html __________________ www.inquiringone.com

05-12-2015, 07:30 AM	#10
Misha888 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 340 Thanks: 280 Thanked 90 Times in 62 Posts	Sunday was my first sighting . . . on Varney Point. We don't use feeders but natural plantings. The hummingbird came right to the door (glass) and looked at me through it and flitted off. I think it's time to plant. They love the plant that is in the picture. Note: Photo from last year. Attached Images __________________ ☮ _/♥\_ & (✿ˆ◡ˆ✿)

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Misha888 For This Useful Post:
beaner (05-12-2015), Rattlesnake Gal (05-15-2015), Slickcraft (05-12-2015), SteveA (05-13-2015)

05-12-2015, 09:41 AM	#11
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,277 Thanks: 1,213 Thanked 2,051 Times in 941 Posts	A pair showed up on Welch on the 10th. Still have not seen the 2nd pair that is usually there, no fighting at the feeder yet.

05-12-2015, 11:35 AM	#12
Grove84 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 88 Thanks: 24 Thanked 41 Times in 20 Posts	Hummingbirds and Plants Misha what are the plants in your photo that are attracting the hummingbirds? I would prefer to plan them then hanging the feeders. What does the group suggest for the best food if feeders are used?

05-12-2015, 06:44 PM	#14
NewHaHagirl Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 30 Thanks: 24 Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts	Took this a few minutes ago looking east over Sleepers Island. We have quite a few hummingbirds too!

05-13-2015, 08:32 AM	#16
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 273 Times in 174 Posts	Return to Paradise We opened our cottage on East Bear Island to begin our forty-eighth season at this wonderful location. Our hummingbird feeder was put out on Friday, and our first visitors arrived on Sunday. It is great to welcome them "home".

06-04-2015, 07:58 AM	#17
minni on winni Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 Thanks: 184 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts	Has anyone been seeing hummingbirds lately? We were seeing them frequently at the feeders . then last week and this week not at all. We clean our feeders every 3 days warm weather and every 5 days in the cooler weather Miss seeing them. Anyone else experiencing this?

The Following User Says Thank You to minni on winni For This Useful Post:
GTO (06-08-2015)

06-04-2015, 10:31 AM	#18
dave603 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Nashua/Winnisquam Posts: 282 Thanks: 106 Thanked 96 Times in 49 Posts	They are here in Nashua. hitting the feeder hard too!

The Following User Says Thank You to dave603 For This Useful Post:
minni on winni (06-04-2015)

The Following User Says Thank You to hilltopper For This Useful Post:
minni on winni (06-04-2015)

06-04-2015, 01:01 PM	#20
Greene's Basin Girl Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 1,515 Thanks: 394 Thanked 527 Times in 269 Posts	There was one just at my feeder in Moultonborough.

The Following User Says Thank You to Greene's Basin Girl For This Useful Post:
minni on winni (06-04-2015)

06-04-2015, 07:35 PM	#21
minni on winni Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 Thanks: 184 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts	Will keep a sharp eye here in Meredith bay. Thanks everyone for your replies. Will keep the feeders at the ready!!!!

06-04-2015, 10:13 PM	#22
JTA Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 233 Thanks: 33 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	The birds may be on other flowers. I wasn't seeing birds much on my feeder but then noticed they were all over my blueberries.

06-05-2015, 07:18 AM	#23
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,589 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,440 Thanked 1,975 Times in 1,076 Posts	We still have ours coming several times per day. Alton Bay Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

06-06-2015, 05:22 PM	#24
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,351 Thanks: 938 Thanked 570 Times in 296 Posts	I have three regulars and hey continue to visit, eat and just hang out on hanger at the top of the feeder. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

06-08-2015, 11:58 AM	#25
Misha888 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 340 Thanks: 280 Thanked 90 Times in 62 Posts	Hummingbird Moth . . . I know, not exactly a hummingbird but I saw my first one EVER this past weekend. Who knew? Apparently not me. Attached Images __________________ ☮ _/♥\_ & (✿ˆ◡ˆ✿)

06-12-2015, 06:10 PM	#26
noreast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 648 Thanks: 316 Thanked 120 Times in 93 Posts	If you plant butterfly bushes you will see many of the moths. They are really pretty but a little scary at first. It's a BIG BUG.

09-01-2015, 04:29 PM	#28
hilltopper Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 722 Thanks: 25 Thanked 106 Times in 67 Posts	Headed south? Bunch of activity at the feeders on Saturday as there has been the past few weeks. Sunday, Monday, and today, nothing. Anyone still seeing any?

09-01-2015, 04:55 PM	#29
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,351 Thanks: 938 Thanked 570 Times in 296 Posts	One at my feeder today. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

09-02-2015, 06:33 AM	#30
hilltopper Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 722 Thanks: 25 Thanked 106 Times in 67 Posts	Yeah, go figure. About a half hour after I posted I had a couple at the feeder. I guess they're sticking around for a few more days.

09-02-2015, 09:13 AM	#31
minni on winni Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 105 Thanks: 184 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts	I saw a few this am in the flowers and one at the feeder. We are in Meredith bay. I have seen them in previous years as late as the 18th of September! Love seeing them!

09-02-2015, 02:43 PM	#32
barefootbay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 383 Thanks: 68 Thanked 97 Times in 70 Posts	Still have a couple in Wolfeboro. Expect them to be gone any day. Do they gather in large groups anywhere before the migration like other birds do ?

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Airedale1 For This Useful Post:
barefootbay (09-05-2015), SteveA (09-17-2015)

09-16-2015, 10:42 PM	#34
beaner Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 178 Thanks: 17 Thanked 37 Times in 23 Posts	Still seeing them in Wolfeboro We had one at the feeder at about noon today. Maybe they are enjoying this sunny, warm late summer weather as much as we are!