After a wind storm, this falcon spent the morning in our backyard. She returns often now, hunting birds such as pidgeons and doves that frequent the seed feeders.
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• HUMMINGBIRD HAPPINESS HOME • SUGAR SOLUTION • FEEDER FUN • BIRDIE PHOTOS •
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Hummingbird Facts
TRUE or FALSE?
Backyard feeders will keep a hummingbird from migrating.
FALSE!
Hummingbirds migrate according to changes in daylight so they will know when to leave your area;) A Hummingbird Happiness friend from Gardnerville, Nevada was removing her feeders too soon. Our recommendation was to provide Sugar Solution until the danger of frost arrives. Frozen feeders are broken feeders, but until then hummingbirds will thank you for providing them with nourishment as they travel south.
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• The typical lifespan for a hummingbird in the wild is 3-5 years
• Fierce and fearless, hummingbirds will defend their food source
• Hummingbirds fly in every direction including backwards & upside down
• Level flight speeds reach 25 MPH, while diving speeds can reach 50 MPH
• Hummingbirds breathe 250 times per minute
• Insects are the hummingbird's main source of protein
• Males have more than one female mate
• Females care for the nest and males defend the territory
• A female can care for more than one nest at a time
• Hummingbird babies stay in the nest for about 21 days
• Hummingbird eggs are approximately half an inch long
• Hummingbirds actually pollinate plants while collecting nectar
• They DO NOT migrate on the backs of geese (but it’s a fun thought:)
• Hummingbirds migrate according to the change in light
• Feeders do not stop migration, but provide nourishment during the journey
• To prevent territorial battles, place feeders at least 100 feet apart Hummingbirds can conserve energy while in a state of torpor. During this time they are more susceptible to dangers and predators.
"Torpor is a (usually short-term) state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually characterized by a reduced body temperature and rate of metabolism. Animals that go through torpor include birds (even tiny hummingbirds)..... During the active part of their day, these animals maintain normal body temperature and activity levels, but their body temperature drops during a portion of the day (usually night) to conserve energy. Torpor is often used to help animals survive during periods of colder temperatures, since it allows the organism to save the amount of energy that would normally be used to maintain a high body temperature." (Wikipedia)
Backyard feeders will keep a hummingbird from migrating.
FALSE!
Hummingbirds migrate according to changes in daylight so they will know when to leave your area;) A Hummingbird Happiness friend from Gardnerville, Nevada was removing her feeders too soon. Our recommendation was to provide Sugar Solution until the danger of frost arrives. Frozen feeders are broken feeders, but until then hummingbirds will thank you for providing them with nourishment as they travel south.
***
• The typical lifespan for a hummingbird in the wild is 3-5 years
• Fierce and fearless, hummingbirds will defend their food source
• Hummingbirds fly in every direction including backwards & upside down
• Level flight speeds reach 25 MPH, while diving speeds can reach 50 MPH
• Hummingbirds breathe 250 times per minute
• Insects are the hummingbird's main source of protein
• Males have more than one female mate
• Females care for the nest and males defend the territory
• A female can care for more than one nest at a time
• Hummingbird babies stay in the nest for about 21 days
• Hummingbird eggs are approximately half an inch long
• Hummingbirds actually pollinate plants while collecting nectar
• They DO NOT migrate on the backs of geese (but it’s a fun thought:)
• Hummingbirds migrate according to the change in light
• Feeders do not stop migration, but provide nourishment during the journey
• To prevent territorial battles, place feeders at least 100 feet apart
"Torpor is a (usually short-term) state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually characterized by a reduced body temperature and rate of metabolism. Animals that go through torpor include birds (even tiny hummingbirds)..... During the active part of their day, these animals maintain normal body temperature and activity levels, but their body temperature drops during a portion of the day (usually night) to conserve energy. Torpor is often used to help animals survive during periods of colder temperatures, since it allows the organism to save the amount of energy that would normally be used to maintain a high body temperature." (Wikipedia)
Events
13th Annual
Kern River Valley
Hummingbird
Celebration
August 13, 2011
http://kern.audubon.org/hummer_fest.htm
Kern River Valley
Hummingbird
Celebration
August 13, 2011
http://kern.audubon.org/hummer_fest.htm