I’ll See You in Health

Anyone who watches the Colbert Report knows this line and the antics of its host.  Yet, let’s be serious.  Part of our health is living in a healthy environment, especially our own backyard.  What is a healthy backyard?

Any yard attractive to birds, bats, bees and butterflies would be considered healthy.  To accomplish that would mean reducing the use of pesticides, conserving water and protecting water quality.  It would require planting native plants, removing invasives and limiting lawns.

Down to specifics: how does one accomplish the above?  This author doubts that many have the budget to accomplish wholesale transformation, and that’s fine.  Even if it takes a few years to effect, one can enjoy the different stages.  This author would suggest targeting one family of birds in approaching this task—hummingbirds. We are fascinated but these tiny dynamos anyway.  If you work to attract these, you will also facilitate the attraction of bees and butterflies.  You see, the plants that attract hummers attract bees and butterflies!  One of my favorite wildlife specialists often states, “If you want hummingbirds, think lasagna”.  Lasagna is a dish of many layers and flavors. Your hummingbird garden would be layers of different heights, colors, and flowers blooming at various times of the year.  Plant trumpet shape flowers but also flowers that have flat disked shaped flowers.  Together these flowers provide nectar and attract insects hummers find edible.  It is important to provide nectar and protein sources.  Hummers need a protein source especially during the raising of a brood.

Hummers need cover and shelter.  To that end, think about planting in the space available trees, shrubs and vines to which the birds can retreat.  Cross Vine and Jasmine followed by Mexican Plum, Mountain Laurel, and Redbud in the understory and Oaks, Pines and Pecans in the canopy again achieves the lasagna theme.

 

Feeders can add to sources of food for wildlife and will provide grand time for viewing the antics of the birds.  Find brands that offer lifetime warranties and clean them regularly.  After all, think about your desire to dine at a clean plate.  So do the birds.  The experience will be wonderful.

Sources of clean water are a must.  Birdbaths should be shallow and with sides of gentle slope.  Keep the water fresh and moving, if possible.  Clean your birdbath with regularity and change the water to keep it free of unwanted dirt and algae.  If one adds a wiggler or a drip system, this is most attractive to a variety of birds.  Misters are great, especially in hot summer months.   Birds will play in the mist and your plans benefit as well.  If you have a pond, move water by way of a pump and waterfall.

In healthy yard, you have provided the means by which birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife live and flourish.  You have contributed to lessening population decline of many species.  You’ve reconnected to nature.  Of course, you must realize, your health, too, is the beneficiary of a healthy back yard.

Rufous Hummer

Rufous Hummingbird visiting Ruby Prism Feeder

Feeder available at http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/07RubyPrismtFeeder.htm ;

fun available in your back yard.

Buff's Your Belly

Anyone who has made a trip to the Rio Grande Valley knows one bird to look for is the Buff Bellied Hummingbird.  It is worth the trip if that’s all you see—but it won’t be.  There is plenty to see and a great number of spots to bird.

Most of us know the few species of hummers that visit our own neck of the woods.  I do everything possible to attract them to my yard.  I’ve gardened to that end, planting xerophytes and native plants over my plot.  I’ve placed three feeders of various types and capacities as well.  One must also provide cover, places where the birds can safely hide and watch their favorite feeder.

Yet, when I go to the valley, I want to see the Buff Belly.  The first time I was so amazed that I sat with my camera in my lap just watching.  Never did take a photograph.  This trip I vowed to get at least one good photograph, and I share it with you.

Hummer Happiness

Droll Yankees Window Hummer 3

Hummingbird migration has been ongoing for some time now.  However, it, as is all of spring migration, is at its peak.  Yet, I still have people asking when to put out feeders.  Or they are remarking that they've yet to do so.  No matter, it is still time, for the little dynamos are always looking for a feeding station.  So, go ahead and open your "restaurant".  You'll be happy you did! (So, will the birds.)

Kingbirdfeeders.com has four different selections of hummingbird feeders. Learn more.

March Migration Madness

March Migration Madness

March 15, 2012, 2012

Hummingbirds are in Texas. Ruby Throats have crossed the Gulf and migrated through Mexico. It's time to get the feeders up! We have some great ones at www.kingbirdfeeders.com.

Droll Yankees Little Flyer-4

Ruby Prism Feeder

Droll Yankees Happy 8 Hummingbird Feeder

Ruby Throats

It has taken a long time to get any decent photos of these little dynamos.  I took these as a cold front moved through our area.  The temperature dipped form 94 degrees F to 52 degrees F in a couple of hours.  This was enough to slow down the activity making these photographs possible.  The promise of rain with this front did not really materialize. 

There are two hummingbird feeders up--one in front and one in back.  Both feeders get activity.  The back one has attracted a crowd with, at least, four hummers vying for the syrup at any one time.

Central Texas Black Chinned Hummingbirds

Although Ruby Throats are outnumbering the Black Chins, these Black Chins posed long enough for the camera. Above is an immature female while below is an immature male.

Both photographs are by Karen Arquette.