Observing a hummer on a collection spree is one of the neatest things you will see. They have perfected the art of twirling, and it almost appears as a dance. They spin so fast unless you slow down the action you can't see it.
First, let's cover some things you should be aware of.
Do not's while observing.....
Do not approach an active nest from closer than 15ft. If you do, there's a good chance you startle momma, and she will abandoned her nest.
Don't observe often in the open, why would this matter you ask? You can give away her location to predators. Trust me, watching a momma hummingbird trying to ward off a hunter and losing is very hard to see.
Now, back to the good stuff.
Did you know hummingbirds collect and use spider web silk to construct nests? They use this silk because it is flexible. Hummingbird babies grow rapidly. From hatching to fledgling is roughly 14-21 days.
Their tiny little nests are roughly walnut to golf ball in size. Decorated with bits of leaf, paint flakes, wood or any piece of nature they can aquire. They usually lay 1 to 2 jelly bean size eggs. Note, the nest in the picture was a nest found during winter, abandoned, the remaining egg was a dud.
I started growing cotton to appease my little friends. The season isn't even over, and the single plant is almost stripped. More plants this year is a must.
What other item's can you offer to your little friends for nesting? Lichens, mosses, dried plant bits, milkweed fuzz, cat tail snow, dandelion puffs, or grow your own cotton. (But non that has been processed please. Raw, home grown is the only way to make sure no pesticides are used. And processed has been bleached and spooled to remain longer strands. This can tangle on the hummingbirds feet.) Large spider webs should be taken down. Garden spiders, and large orb weavers can trap and entangle a little hummer quite easily. Smaller webs leave when ever possible. Like sac or wall spider varieties.
Here are some photos of a hummer on a thieving mission. Stealing bits from another un occupied nest.
Here are many photos of cotton collection
Make sure if you are in a high humidity area, or have 80°+ temperatures, you need to be changing your hummingbirds nectar daily. You will have more visitors the more often it is refreshed.
Let's see some of your hummy photos.
Have any stories you would like to share?
Soon a what's growing/blooming is to follow. Stay tuned!!!!
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