Words On Birds 05-01-26

 

     One morning this week, I was doing paperwork at the dining room table when I glanced up and saw a male hummingbird hovering in front of the suction-cupped hook on our slider. That’s where one of our hummingbird feeders usually hangs. We had just put it out earlier in the week, but moved it the day before for some work to be done near the deck that day. When we saw the hummingbird, we quickly moved it back and Mr. Hummer is back enjoying “his” feeder.

 

     It just amazes me how these tiny birds can travel all the way to Central America and come back to the same spot on the globe to find our, or should I say “his,” feeder! Just think of all the sophisticated radar and navigation equipment it takes to fly us to who-knows-where in Central America and return us safe and sound! Amazing.

 

     So now is time to put out those hummingbird feeders if you haven’t done so already. If you don’t have a hummingbird feeder, now is the time to procure one. Put it up where you can see it, preferably near some flowering plants or shrubs, though an isolated feeder can attract hummers as well. Store bought clear sucrose is best, with no additives. Do not use red nectar, as that can be harmful to the birds – clear nectar is best. Most feeders have enough red color to attract the birds.

 

     You can also make your own nectar with one part sugar to three or four parts water. Again, do not add any red food coloring. Keep any extra stored in the refrigerator, and be sure to change the nectar every few days to keep it fresh.

 

     Hummingbirds are very territorial when they feed. If you have more than one hummingbird feeder, place another feeder out of sight of the first one in order to allow more hummingbirds to feed. Often, “your” hummingbird will sit nearby and guard “their” feeder (we call them the yard boss.) If another hummer comes to feed, they will likely be chased off!

 

     If you would like to track the ruby-throated hummingbird arrivals in the eastern United States, including New England, you can go to www.hummingbirdcentral.com and click on the map. You will see hummingbird reports from all over New England including Maine and even Canada already!

 

     Baltimore and orchard orioles have also been arriving here despite the chilly temperatures, so you should prepare their feeders as well. These birds are also attracted to backyard feeders with nectar (one part sugar to five or six parts water) as they enjoy the nectar provided by flowering apple, cherry and other fruit trees upon their return. Orioles particularly enjoy grape jelly and oranges, especially as the season goes on.

 

     Many oriole feeders are designed to hold jelly, orange halves or slices, nectar, or some combination thereof. People sometimes feed mealworms to orioles, especially as the orioles begin to nest, but orioles will also continue to enjoy jelly all summer long. Remember to change the nectar every few days and to keep oranges and grape jelly fresh in the feeders.

 

     Our most common oriole is the Baltimore oriole. The male is bright orange and black. The females are a softer orange with some brown in the wings. You may also attract the less common orchard oriole. The male of this species is a darker brick color with black. Females are more yellow than the female Baltimore. Both species have very musical songs that you will enjoy!

 

     Once a pair of orioles continues to visit your feeders regularly, they may bring their offspring to the feeders later in June and July! Other summer birds may also enjoy your offering of grape jelly including catbirds, mockingbirds, house finches, and beautiful scarlet tanagers!

 

     Orioles also enjoy suet when they first arrive back, as do so many other birds. Tanagers, Carolina wrens, catbirds and others will especially enjoy the orange and berry flavored suet. Continuing suet into June will also help the woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and other resident birds feed their young.

 

     Keep the sunflower stocked in your feeders as the rose-breasted grosbeaks that are arriving may make an appearance in your yard. The striking males are unmistakable, but the female look like a very large sparrow with a heavy beak. Many will stay and nest in the area and they could bring their young birds to your feeders.

 

     Male goldfinches are now sporting their bright yellow and black and they are ravenous once again at our thistle feeders. Be sure to check your thistle to be sure that it is fresh. Pine siskins may visit briefly in migration as they also enjoy the thistle, as do indigo buntings that may be passing through.

 

     Don’t forget the mealworms for the bluebirds. Some bluebirds have hatched their first brood already, and they may have two or three broods this season. Putting out mealworms will help supplement their natural insect diet and will may help toward a successful nesting in your yard or neighborhood.

 

     May is great month for watching birds, and there are more birds to be seen and heard as they make their way into our area. Summer residents are arriving, migrants are moving through, and more birds are stopping to feed. Providing a variety of food should attract more birds to your yard this spring!