Laughing Dog Arts

Monday, April 12, 2010

Hummingbird Frenzy


Yesterday I captured this feeding frenzy of Rufous Hummingbirds.  I'm not sure what other breeds might be represented here.  If you know, please tell me.  There were so many, it was unbelievable!  I was afraid I would be stabbed when I walked across the deck.  This has never happened though, they are good at dodging humans.  They will land on my finger if I put it up to the feeder.  Sometimes they come into the porch room and go to the window to try and get out and will never turn around and go back out the door to escape.  They are dumb that way.  So I have to be vigilant and rescue them daily.  I have tried to take a picture of them in my hand as I open it but they either fly away so fast or they will be in shock and lie in my hand.  That picture looks like a dead bird in hand so I haven't posted that one.  I have several pictures of my open palm, birdless.  The birds sure are entertaining.

I wonder if this youtube will show here?

Be well.

19 comments:

Marlene said...

Jan, how fun. I think maybe you have a caliope (sp) in the mix, either that or an Anna's. There are some that stop by our place for just a few days and then move on. We get those feeding frenzy's everytime it rains hard, it's like they think it is their last meal. I have pictures of them sitting on my husbands hand around here somewhere. We love watching them.

Marlene said...

Hi again, On second look I think they are Rufous and Allen's hummingbirds that you have.

Jan said...

Yeah Marlene, I was thinking Allen's too, hard to tell them apart when they don't hold still. According to my book the Caliope's shouldn't be around here but who knows.

sjmcdowell said...

Oh wow Jan, I have never seen Hummingbirds go crazy like this before!! Ha ha what do you have in their feeder...huh?? Maybe way too much suger!!! :D
What a treat to see this...reminds me I have to go top up my Hummingbird feeder now!

Oh and thanks for commenting on the Southern Belle retreat...it was an amazing day! What lovely ladies they are!

Smiles and hugs,

Susan

Robbie said...

Wow! how cool!!! We only get two at the most at our feeder! How exciting to see and have them land on your hand. Thanks for sharing!!

audrey said...

That is so cool, Jan. I have never seen so many together at one time like that. I get a stray hummingbird or two now and then in the summer when all the flowers are out, but nothing like that. Of course, it would probably help if I put up a hummingbird feeder. You think???
My husband just looks at me when I pick up big sacks of birdfeed anymore... not sure how he would take it if I bought yet another feeder for the birds. LOL!
Great video, Jan!! Enjoyable!
♥ audrey

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

Thanks for sharing the hummers, I love humming birds, we have only ruby-throated ones in Iowa and I never seen that many at one time, how cool!

I am looking forward to the return of the our Baltimore Orioles, they feed on grape jelly all summer long.

Jan said...

Marie, I have been trying to be productive all day and have had too many interruptions to do so. some of them were good interruptions so that was okay.

My hummers aren't always nice, that video time was special but I don't know why. Glad I caught it with the camera!

Jan said...

Susan, I put some of my alcohol ink in the feeder. that is why they go crazy and why they are so colorful!
Totally lying of course!!

Jan said...

Yes, Audrey, it can be so expensive to feed all the birds and critters. Especially if you are feeding that nyger seed. I haven't started mine on that habit, I stick with just sunflower seeds and chicken scratch. And sugar, of course.

Jan said...

robbie I really look forward to having these little guys return every year. I get such a kick out of them.

Jan said...

Ms. Iowa, I've heard of those Baltimore Orioles eating jelly but we don't have them here. We do get Black Headed Grosbeaks which look a lot like the Orioles but I've never heard of them liking jelly. I'm not going to try it either! I spend enough time feeding as it is! Thanks for stopping in.

Anonymous said...

Jan that is just awesome. We have nothing like that over here. How privileged you are that they will land on your hand too. What do you have to put in the feeder for them? I'm just going to watch it again it is so good.

DVArtist said...

Hi I am with the other's Allens. My mom feeds hundreds of Hummers and some stay year round.
They are so much fun. I have held a hummer two different times. It is amazing.
Nicole/Beadwright

yoborobo said...

Holy moly, Jan!! What an incredible video! We get hummers at our feeder, but usually just 2-3 and they have 'hummingbird wars',guarding their spot and keeping the others away. Pretty amazing!! xo Pam

Jan said...

Yeah, Pam,those hummer wars seem dangerous! Imagine getting stabbed by one of those little beaks flashing past!

Bunny said...

Oh my goodness have never seen so many at once. We might get the occasional one around. I think I will get a feeder this year and see what happens. Love that video.

Ces Adorio said...

OH MY WORD!!! What are you feeding them?

HAHAHAHA!

These hummingbirds are wonderful creatures.

It will be a sad day when we cannot find hummingbirds anymore. That reminds me. I need to set up our feeder...

Hello Jan!

April said...

Jan...where are you? Did the hummingbirds get you? Did they overwhelm you while you were filming? Haven't heard anything from you for over a week. Yoohoo???