Texas Hummers

[Dover]

Texas Hummingbirds Provide Nature's Greatest Show On Earth
Apr. 7, 2005 –

Tiny birds that weigh no more than a handful of
Kleenex can give tons of pleasure to bird lovers.



Millions of hummingbirds, called hummers by bird enthusiasts, are starting to arrive in the state and the tiny creatures put on one of nature’s greatest shows on Earth. When springtime comes to Texas, hummers invade the state and their arrival can be a time of wonder for those interested in the birds. Hummers frequently travel more than 1,000 miles from Central America and Mexico to get here.

Hummers are among the most fascinating of all birds because of their at-times peculiar behavior, but don’t count on making pets out of them; as with many wild birds, it is unlawful to keep hummingbirds as pets. But they can still be admired and observed, and hummingbird feeders are a good way to do both, says Dr. Ian Tizard, a bird specialist at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Tizard says the type of hummingbird you’ll see in Texas depends on where you live. East of Interstate 35, residents will most likely see the Ruby Throated hummer, while those west of I-35 will probably see the Black Chinned hummer. “Austin-area residents can see both,” he says.

In South Texas, the Buff Bellied hummingbird is common; in West Texas, the aptly named Blue Throated and Magnificent hummingbirds are seen more frequently...cont'd

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/04/050413094223.htm

[Skittles]

1. I used to make a sugar mixture for them

on a farm in North Texas. LOL, I had several feeders in the front and back and spent lots of time observing the birds; there was one particluar one who was a tiny bully - he would just go from feeder to feeder chasing all the other hummers off.

[Dover]

2. .......must have been a rightwinged hummer.....lol!

I love to watch them, and have planted a 'hummer garden'. The wildflowers are so abundant this year that they are having a feast!
No waiting, no shoving necessary.

[Skittles]

3. I remember one flew into the garage

a huge garage, big enough to fit six tractors - I had to assist him with a broomstick to get out - I knew if I closed the door it would be stifling hot in no time. I must have run around after that little fellow for over an hour - he kept flying back in. :o