Where are the Hummers?

[PinonMesaJon]

Has anyone noticed the significant decrease in the hummingbird population lately?

We had them in April, but now we don't have a one.

Talking to friends, people in Apple Valley and Victorville have noticed the same. Anyone know why? 

[love_walnuts]

I haven't had any at our home near Lone Pine and Virginia. I miss them so.

[angelwolf326]

We had a bunch in April and another bunch just hit last week...  not the full amount yet but we have about 20 each evening now...  I'm at lower East Cyn.

[angelwolf326]

[angelwolf326]

[Stitches]

I had lots of them in April as well.   They emptied my feeder a couple of weeks ago but I didn't have a chance to fill it until this past weekend.  Usually, I use the nectar I get at Mt. Hardware, but I ran out and wanted to fill it so used the sugar water recipe.   Then I couldn't find anymore red food coloring, so I just used the closes I had which was purple.  It's Wednesday and finally saw one come back this morning.   I guess it took them a few days to find out that I've refilled it.

By this time of the year, they're lined up waiting for their turn.   Maybe they went on vacation somewhere.   I'm interested to see if Wildman had a decline in hummer visitors.

[clint]

This is from the Audubon Society web site:

Fill the feeders with sugar water, made by combining four parts hot water to one part white sugar, boiled for one to two minutes. NEVER use honey, which promotes the growth of harmful bacteria, or artificial sweeteners. Also avoid red food coloring.

[Stitches]

I've never put red food coloring in the feeder but red is the color the nectar powder comes.    I just use the color to see if I'm out of nectar.   Is that avoid ALL food coloring or just the red?

[angelwolf326]

Avoid all color and avoid the nectar purchased at stores.  Use the simple recipe of sugar and water that the  Audubon Society suggests.

[Chesslike]

Another tip I learned from our Webmaster, is to use the hot water from your tap instead of using boiling water. The sugar mixture does not spoil as quickly and it mixes just as well as boiling it.

I seem to have the same number of Hummers as usual near the elementary school.

[Wildman]

There's around 20 around our place.  We always seem to get more later in the summer.

[Wrightwood]

We are seeing an average number for this time of the year. The large numbers are seen when it gets warmer.

[Wildman]

Another tip I learned from our Webmaster, is to use the hot water from your tap instead of using boiling water. The sugar mixture does not spoil as quickly and it mixes just as well as boiling it.

I seem to have the same number of Hummers as usual near the elementary school.

One thing that really works well and was taught to me by Wrightwood is to hum when you are in the presence of hummingbirds.  Wrightwood has a plethora of humming sounds he uses....some are soft and repetitive like a Tibetan prayer wheel chant...others like the sound of a Ganges Mantra done in falsetto.  It really gives the birds a sense of well being and makes the person watching them feel better.  They respond to the hum that you are doing.

You can learn more about this technique at: 

Humming4Hummingbirds.feather

[makgirl]

We have only a few hummers, but a definite increase in orioles!  They are draining the two feeders I have out.   We must have at least 3 pairs.  Anyone else?

Put out those oriole feeders: 6 cups water, to one cup sugar.
I boil the water (using the microwave) because I heard it keeps the mixture from fermenting.  Hot tap water doesn't seem to do it for us.

[superMom]

And I saw what I can only guess were 2 bluebirds today!!!  And no, they were not bluejays, were a much lighter and brighter blue.  I will have to go look online, relative told me she thinks we have a species mountain bluebirds. 

[superMom]

This is the bird I saw today: 



It was beautiful. 

[makgirl]

We had those here next door to you, Supermom, the past two days.  They are eating the suet.

[HUMMINGBIRD13]

we only use  hot  water  with  1 cup  sugar to  4 cups  water  not  red food  coloring....  not  good  for  them........   have  had   lots  of  hummers.........  we  also  wait  till  the  water  mixes  and cools  before  putting  out  for the  hummers........... 

[HUMMINGBIRD13]

my grandson  has  been  so  excited  when  he  come  over  and  sees  the  hummers...  it  is  so funny to watch  his  excitement

[Chesslike]

Hmmm.......yes that is a hummer in the grips of a praying mantis.