I will never forget the first time I saw a hummingbird. I was in my 40s and visiting family in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Suddenly, what I thought was a large insect went lightning fast zig-zagging across their property.  I was overcome with joy as I realized that’s not an insect, that’s a hummingbird! THAT’S A HUMMINGBIRD!

Yes.  We have a lot of ruby throated hummingbirds in Maine and we put up feeders and actually see what we call the hummingbird wars.  They often come close to me and my husband if we have on a colorful article of clothing.   We also have what we thought were migrators in Florida but this year I left my feeders up until they stopped coming and they didn't until spring.  Is that ok or should we encourage them to go farther south? My husband also plants a lot of hummingbird friendly flowers and when we see them liking a particular kind, he plants more of those.

Ruby throated hummingbird and Rufous hummingbird

I live in MA, and have seen the ruby throated hummingbirds occasionally over the years. A local friend and his wife have red flowering plants on their deck, with hummingbirds being so common there, they can feel like very large bees buzzing during early summer evening get togethers. This year, I put out a feeder for the first time, and it has been enjoyable watching them, more enjoyable than almost any other birds. From limited observations and no birding cam; Females have been at the feeder 90% of the time Females have been more aggressive in bumping others away from the feeder Females have perched while feeding more than males, who are more likely to feed while hovering They have sometimes hung out perching for a while, rubbing their bills on the feeding structure, shaking their tail feathers, looking around, and often going back for more. It was surprising that they appeared so relaxed to perch for an extended time, and I was sure if that was because there are hydrangea bushes close by with very similar green coloring, or if they are so fast and quick that they aren't concerned with others. It would be great to get any feedback on this. This first section of the course has been illuminating and exciting. Looking forward to the rest of it, and opportunities to see more species in the future.

The hummingbird that stands out to me that I have seen this year is blackhead with maroon gorget and white belly.  It is so pretty.  I have not; that I know of seen it featured in these lessons but I am in the Eastern side of the US.  Only been able to view the three different ones for about two weeks with this being July.  the other two; one is mostly green and the other is a mostly light grey.  These last two come and go quickly but the white and black will hover longer giving me a better look.  Last year was the first year I put out the nectar (homemade) so I am hoping to get more species and colors each year.  For those that have been doing this for years I have a question.  Last year my feeder was in my back yard and I put it back there again this year.  I bought another feeder and have put it near a window in my front yard.  It has only been a day but so far they have not seemed to have found it.  Question is do you think they will find it or should I just put it in their paths near the one on the back side?   Thnx for any feedback.  I'm sure the white black red is a ruby throated hummingbird just I don't believe I seen it in the lesson as that color. Mary  

Yes! I see two hummingbird species on a regular basis when I go on short walks or long hikes in my area. These species are the Anna's Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird, which I learned in this lesson are considered to be in the hummingbird genetic group called Bee.

I live in Central Illinois and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are common here.  I plant flowers on my front deck that attract them every year and also keep hummingbird feeders out.  They are endlessly entertaining to watch!