Hummingbird

[Bucolic Buffalo]

Here in central IL, Sept. 28, have not seen a bird this morning. Had a number around yesterday and one right at dusk. The past week we at times at a dozen or more around.

It's possible I saw a Rufus this past week. Nearly all our birds are Ruby-throated. Some are not identifiable for whatever reason. Probably younger birds or females with little color. And I suspect our local birds have mostly migrated and I am seeing others on their way south.

 

[bpd303]

Here in the ozarks we only have a few left. I imagine they will be south in a few days

I think all of ours have headed south, not a bird on the feeders in a couple of days.

 

[barracudadave67]

Haven't seen any now in 4 days. I guess they are gone now. I'll leave the feeders out for a few more days, for any stragglers. That means winter is really coming. Darn, I hate winter.

Dave

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

What exactly does Red Dye do to hummers? I give them clear sugar water but sometimes put just enough dye in the mix to turn it pink. That way I can see out the window how full or empty the feeder is.

Hummingbirds are very attracted to the color red.
When I was getting my MS, we studied the pineal body in top-water minnows for changes resulting from sun angles. I have wondered if other animals have similar changes, but I know I could not do the dissections on hummingbirds.
It is enough for me to enjoy seeing them each year. Often, either my girlfriend or I would wear a bright red shirt, the little hummers would be attracted to it, and come visit right up close.

 

[Bucolic Buffalo]

We had a few birds on 9/28. A bunch came by on 9/29. On 9/30 just a few. The smaller feeder took a big hit. So had to be birds when we were busy doing other stuff.

Yesterday, 10/1 I may have seen two birds flit by. The wife mentioned taking the feeders down. But I said not yet.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

51 degrees this morning, O-hi-ho. About 70 mi NNW of Columbus. No hummingbirds this morning.

As an old south Florida boy, also Philippines, Bahamas, Brazil, I do wonder what the heck I am doing this far north.
Oh yeah - great VA care!

Time to dig out the thermals!

 

[barracudadave67]

Craig Wilcox
Yes I get great care also, at the VA, from 12 yrs in Navy (1960-1972)

No Hummers anymore.
It got down to 38* last night, Its coming.

Dave

 

[Bucolic Buffalo]

Here in Central Illinois we had at least two that came by yesterday, 10/2. Already one small bird has been here this morning, 10/3. We cannot even hope to watch every minute of the day. I would have to assume that others are coming past.

 

[Bucolic Buffalo]

We pulled the small feeder. Just the big one still out. Had several birds come through yesterday, 10/4 here in Central IL. Already this morning, 10/5, while waiting for water to boil to make coffee I saw at least two birds. Perhaps three. Big birds, so I assume adults. Whereas yesterday they were small birds with one being a tiny little thing.

Forgot to hit the post reply button.

So here it is 10/6 and I open the front door to see a bird on the feeder this morning. So, they are still coming through. Was 87F yesterday. Without cold weather perhaps the urge to migrate isn't as strong. Lots of late summer flowers in bloom and going to be warmish for a time yet.

 

[Bucolic Buffalo]

Reporting in from central Illinois. Have not seen a bird yet this morning, 10/8. Nor did I see any yesterday, 10/7.

Was 44F yesterday morning and 40F this morning. Gonna warm a bit and then 32F next Tuesday night. We may have seen the last bird for the season. Feeder can stay till the freezing weather arrives. Just in case some are passing and not being seen.

Something the wife noticed is. That these later birds did not like coming close to the porch feeder. But liked being out a few feet. So the big feeder got moved to the outer hook when they emptied the small feeder.

 

[barracudadave67]

Yah Buf
Havnt seen any here since Sept 27th or 28th. All of a sudden, they will be gone. We will have to wait till next Spring now.

On a plus side,, all the hummer feeders are on clearance at Menards, and Wally World. I bought a couple yesterday to replace some faded ones.

Dave