Tracey, Bob, and Tweeters,



We have several (at least 4, probably more) immature Rufous as well in our
yard, and thus far have not noticed a decline in the numbers. I took the
feeders down about 6 weeks ago as they were not utilizing them at all. We
have about 10 hardy fuchsias, as well as 3 hanging baskets with annual
fuchsias, any number of penstemens, crocosmia, phlox, salvias, pots with
petunias, and a wall of petunias, and about 30 dahlias, among other flowers.
Now you all know why I haven't been leaving my yard to bird, as we also have
a veggie garden that is about 50x75', and these gardens take a bit of time.
Last year I noticed and was quite surprised to see how often the hummers
were going to the dahlias; usually the red ones but not exclusively. I was
guessing that they were finding insects, but I don't know that. Any
thoughts?



In any case, I am feeling pretty happy that they are here so regularly,
visiting all the plants and with no feeders up. They do use the feeders
early in the season and into the early summer. We have many native plants as
well; a couple dozen red-flowering currants, Oregon Grape, elderberries, red
twig and yellow twig dogwood, service berry, salmon berry, and mock orange.
Even though some of these are blooming early, the hummingbirds still come to
the feeders.



It is all really interesting!



Kristin Stewart

Olympia

kristinstewart01 at comcast.net







_____

From: tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Bob
Sundstrom
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 11:50 AM
To: Tracey Cummings; tweeters
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] late rufous hummer



Tracey and tweeters,



On upper Scatter Ck. south of Olympia, we still have about 8 immature Rufous
Hummers coming to several feeders in the yard. The numbers were easily
twice that a week ago, and I expect they will dwindle to one or two by the
first week of September. Have had Rufous visit as late as mid-September.



Good birding, Bob



----- Original Message -----

From: Tracey <mailto:teecummings at gmail.com> Cummings

To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu

Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 6:47 PM

Subject: [Tweeters] late rufous hummer



I was in my dahlia patch early this morning and was surprised by a female
rufous hummingbird floating just a few feet away. My husband noted that this
bird had been visiting the brightly colored dahlias within the last couple
of days. A little late for a hummer?



The black headed grosbeaks have been replaced by finches at the backyard
feeder, with many teenage towhees coming in too.

--
Tracey Cummings
Carnation WA / Lake Marcel
teecummings at gmail.com


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