Starting a week ago, our hummingbird feeder has become quite popular with the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) in the area. This species is the only summer resident (breeding) hummingbird in Georgia, and in the entire east coast.
They arrive here from Central America in early May. They build nests out of thistle and dandelion down, held together with spider web and covered on outside with lichens high up in trees. The usually lay 2 eggs and if the first nest is successful they may lay a second clutch.
Having a hummingbird feeder is a great way to attract and see these little birds. You can buy a
feeder at just about any department or garden store. Making food is easy, it is just 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. You have to use real sugar and not sugar substitute, those little birds need the calories! The way I usually make it is by heating up the water, adding the sugar making sure to dissolve it, and then allowing it to cool in a container in the fridge. You have to change and clean this type of feeder twice a week, since the food spoils quickly, especially when it is warm outside, and you do not want to get your visiting hummers sick! But keeping it clean is easily rewarded by having hummingbirds constantly visiting your feeder.Here is a short clip of some hummingbirds at the feeder this morning. They are mostly females and young sub-adult males (with thin red striping and blotches on the throat, not quite fully ruby yet!).
