I have to admit I am a bit of a hummingbird freak. When we moved into our townhouse birdfeeding was not allowed as it attracts rodents. Thank goodness they allowed hummingbird feeders or it would have been a deal breaker.
It is such a treat to be able to watch them and if I could I would sit and watch them for hours. Some of my favorite memories have been just watching them. My first experience with them was when we stayed on Savary Island about 16 years ago. My brother had a cottage there, right on the ocean and they loaned it to us for five days. I would fill up a large hummingbird feeder and by nightfall it would be empty, that is how many of the little guys there was. There was much activity and it started at dawn. I would get up, make coffee and then sit on the couch facing the window and just watch them. You could almost see the water go down. I had to refill the feeder in the middle of the day and when I took it in (I had everything ready to go) to wash and fill it you could see them flying around frantically. As quick as I could I carried the feeder out to hang and one flew up and sat on the opposite side and started drinking while I was holding the it. He kept an eye on me but it didn't deter him one bit. It must have been because there were so many of them competing with each other that they weren't too bothered with me.
A few years ago while I was watering veggies at my allotment garden a few hummingbirds started darting in and out of the water. I stood there for about five minutes while they darted in and out. What a wonderful gift that was.
Another favorite memory is when my husband won a couple of nights at a lodge in Whistler. Our unit was lovely but the best part was the unit beside had a hummingbird feeder with so many hummingbirds many would be in a holding pattern waiting for a spot. They were amazing. Apparently they don't fight so much when there are a lot of them. It just isn't worth it I guess. One little guy was sitting on his perch and another buzzed above him and while still flying started feeding at the hole where he was sitting. The little guy sitting looked a bit surprised, but he didn't move.
Watching these guys I think know where the term feeding frenzy started.
Hummingbird water recipe
1 part sugar 4 parts water and boil until dissolved.
NEVER use food coloring. They don't need the water to be red and it could harm them.
If it is hot, the water should be changed every 3-4 days.
Enjoy
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