The Spring Season
Well, spring is really here, and summer can’t be too far away. The signs of summer abound, if you look and listen for them.
At night, the elusive whippoorwill can be heard in neighboring woods and forests, cardinal vines seedlings are sprouting through the soil, and the first sightings of hummingbirds have been reported throughout our fair town.
Yes, it is time to get out your hummingbird feeders.
The most common hummingbird in Georgia is the Ruby Throated hummingbird. Weighing in at only three grams, or 1/8 ounce, these little fellas can fly at remarkably fast speeds. The male’s wings may beat up to 200 times per second during these displays (the normal speed is 55-75 beats per second).
Male Ruby Throats are named for the ruby colored patch on their throats, with the rest of its body covered in white feathers, with wings that are near black in color. The female does not share the vivid ruby color, but instead has a whitish colored throat. Both male and females have a long straight beak, which allows them to sip nectar from flowers and feeders.
Unlike other birds, hummingbirds have the ability to not only fly forward, these amazing aerial creations can fly straight up and down, sideways, and even backwards, as well as simply hover in place, while feeding, or checking out someone’s red colored hat or shirt.
As hummingbirds are such busy little birds, flying back and forth in a whiz, they need to eat a great deal of food in order to keep their energy level up. There are a number of flowers you can plant in your garden to attract them. These include beebalm (monarda), trumpet vine, columbine, butterfly bush, coneflowers, cardinal flower, fuchsia, and other tubular flowers.
Many people enjoy making their own hummingbird food and placing the sweet homemade nectar in hummingbird feeders, which you can find readily available at any farm and garden shop. The recipe requires only two ingredients, and the time spent is quite minimal. Simply boil four parts of water to one part sugar. Next, after it comes to a boil, let it cool. After this, pour it into the feeder, because you are finished. Within a few days, you will have hummingbirds swarming at your feeder. In fact, you may find, as I do, that you will have to have a ready supply of homemade nectar already made, as these miracles of the airwaves are fast eaters.
Take some time to watch the antics of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird this summer. They are one of the most enjoyable of God’s creations to watch, as they dive and dart throughout your yard and garden. Enjoy!