The Bag Lady hung one feeder last week, thinking it was probably too early, but the very next day there was a hummer. He guarded that feeder so fiercely that the Bag Lady dug around and found two more.
He guards them just as fiercely, but they are far enough apart that the other hummingbird(s) can at least sneak a drink periodically.
He also chases away any other birds that get too close......
....... including this blue jay! Immediately after the picture was taken, he went on the offensive. The Bag Lady also witnessed him chasing a purple finch around and around in that bush! (In case you are having difficulty finding the hummingbird in the picture, look just above the white roof of the garden shed in the lower left portion of the picture. He and the blue jay are sitting in the same bush.)
The Bag Lady knows that the hummingbirds will settle down, but for now, she is careful when she opens the door because they zip along her deck at warp speed!
14 comments:
Seriously, a hummingbird that can chase off bluejays? Unless your Canadian bluejays are more polite and retiring than their U.S. cousins, that is impressive!
Glad to see you posting again!
Hummers are mean and territorial as all get out. Be careful.
That said, I'm glad you've got the little guys coming to your feeder.
Crabby - those hummingbirds are HUNGRY! That's a long flight from somewhere down around your area!!
Leah - yes, I have to be careful. I was working outside yesterday and one of them buzzed me a couple of times!
They are fierce little stinkers, aren't they? I didn't realize that they go after the jays though. Fearless!
Those hummers must be totally fearless!
It's good to hear from you, Bag Lady, i was wondering this morning how you were doing.
Hilary - he went after the chickadees, the blue jays, the purple finches, other hummingbirds, and even the humans! He was hungry!!
Messymimi - I think it's a good thing they aren't any bigger than they are - they would be REALLY dangerous! It's good to be back, but I can't promise it will be for very long - can't believe how busy I am lately!!
If he works that hard chasing other birds away he'll need all three feeders.
Mary Anne in Kentucky
Yes, he will, Maryanne!!
We have hummers too. Fascinating birds. Never saw one make on a blur jay though.
jj
Joanna - it surprised me, too. And I think it really surprised the blue jay! I'm sure that was a laugh I heard as he flew away!
Such territorial birds! I guess this means we might be too late putting out a feeder?
Karen - I would give it a try. There might be a hungry hummingbird in your area!
Ours have settled down and are sharing three feeders.....have to tell you a funny hummingbird story-met some new people at a St. Paddy's get-to-gether and one of the guys (a know it all kind of fellow) told us that hummingbirds hitch rides on Canada Geese to go south each winter...I snorted a little green beer up my nose in an effort not to bust out laughing and refrained from asking him how many Canada Geese he has seen wintering in Mexico!
abby cuz
Hi, cuz! It's amazing how many people believe that myth!
I still have one fairly aggressive guy - saw him trying to chase the chickadees away yesterday!
Post a Comment