Hummingbird Alert! ☺☺☺

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   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   I discovered a hummingbird nest in my front yard with two teeny, tiny eggs in it.
   
   This particular bird apparently isn’t too bright. The nest is located out in the open and on a branch that waves around in the wind.
   
   I shall give daily reports here. They will not be censored. Whatever happens, happens; and I will serve it up here, good or bad. Stay tuned.

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You should call social services to take the eggs away.  That's just bad parenting. 
      
      Who would build a house in such a bad place?

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      nalysaleposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Social services available for that kind of situations.

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         paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         As to some postings about calling Social Services; that call is never going to happen.
         
         In the godforsaken county that I live in; if your house is burning down and you call the fire department, they will send you a bill. If you refuse to pay the bill, I am reasonably certain that they will seize your property and auction it off.
         
         I can only imagine what the county’s response would be if I were to call them about a hummingbird’s nest that isn’t up to code.

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   knolyourselfposted 14 years ago

   You should have a hummingbird cam.

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3. 61

   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   For those folks who are interested…
   
   Apparently hummingbirds leave the nest during the day. At first I though it was abandoned; but then I got the bright idea to check it at night.
   
   Sure enough, there was the bird in the nest on the eggs. It was motionless and its beady little eye looked right back at me. So I went away.

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      They are amazing little birds.  They're known to fly across the Gulf of Mexico in one long flight.  Poor little, speedy hearts!

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         paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Yep. The general consensus as to stats seems to be:
         
         ~25 mph for ~20 hours nonstop to accomplish the 500+ mile trip.
         
         I wonder if they take a nap afterward.

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   katiem2posted 14 years ago

   Oh how cool.  I put out hummingbird feeders every year, I just adore the little creatures, the bird cam is a great idea, you could make an awesome hub with that video footage. 

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      paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Btw, I just measured it. Amongst its other attributes, the nest is all of 4 feet, 2 inches above the ground. I’m thinking of starting a betting pool as to how it will all turn out.

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      paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Alas!!! I am cam-less.

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   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   I should probably mention that we have a neighborhood cat.  His name is Shadow.

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   LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

   Although hummingbirds are beautiful creatures, visiting too often may make the parents abandon the nest and the eggs. Try placing some hummingbirds feeders at approximately 6 to 8 feet from the nest site.
   
   If making your own. Mix three parts water with one part sugar;no honey,food coloring or sweeteners. They will kill the hummingbird. If you want to photograph them make sure to use a zoom lens with a fast shutter speed and a flash unit,even in daylight.
   
   To make a hummingbird feeder;get a plastic water bottle, put a cork in the openings, drill a hole through the cork,insert a bent piece of copper tubing (small one), wrap some red ribbons around the bottle, tie it with some wire or string, invert the bottle and hang near the nest. Change water/sugar mixture every three days, two days if really hot.

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      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That is great information that I will refer to next time we have one in our garden, thank you,

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         paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I agree.
         
         @Luis- Your post is almost halfway to a complete hub. You are obviously knowledgeable on the subject. If it was me, I’d delete the post, expand on it, and then publish hub number 88.

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   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   Thanks, but I have decided on a hands-off policy. Besides, they already have an unlimited food and water supply around here
   
   And thanks re: the scaring-away tip. I shall observe from a discreet distance.
   
   Bird update:
   
   The hummingbird has safely returned to her nest once again. Dusk, approx. 7:30 PM.

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   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   @Luis followup - If you wish to do that, replace your existing post with “*** POOF! ***” or whatever. That will hopefully delete earnest’s copy of your post as well.

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      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Cool idea. I didn't think of that.
      It would make an excellent hub.

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   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   Bird update. All appears well.
   
   I would swear that the eggs are getting bigger. I did not think that such a thing was possible. I’m still not sure, it may just be that my perspective has subconsciously changed now that I’m used to them.

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    Paradigmsearch, about writing a hub..I did. Thanks for the suggestion

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I just went and read it. Excellent and Awesome! I am thinking about following my own advice and transferring this forum to a hub or my blog.
       
       Per your hub, I am very glad to report that I have never touched the eggs.

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    Paradigmsearch: don't wait. Start a hub that follows the progress of the nest, I can guaranteed that it will garnish you many visitors, starting with me.

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       What with this being a transitory event, I have decided to follow a middle-ground for now. Besides, I don’t want to have to deal with duplicate and substandard content hub issues. I have posted a blog entry telling the world all about it. If the reader follows the links, they will end up on this forum thread.

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    Stacie Lposted 14 years ago

    with all the storms we've had the past few weeks I don't think the little guys can make their nests.LOL
    
    maybe they'll come around when things calm down...
    Post some photos of them..

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Alas, I am camera-less. If I did have a camera, then I would indeed have gone the hub route instead.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    A bird-related link...
    
    http://hubpages.com/hub/The-relaxing-so … eat-stress

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       sofsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Paradigmsearch for putting this fresh, new hub on alert Love it

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          paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          If anyone else has bird-worthy hubs, I’d like to hear about it. Do not post links; that is a no-no. I will decide that.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    As far as I am concerned, as to my front yard, Darwin’s rules shall apply. And that is that.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report.
    
    From a very discreet distance I checked.
    
    As of 7:30 PM (local bird time), no bird.
    
    I did, however, spot the neighborhood cat.
    
    I should have started keeping score days ago; better late than never. If the bird shows up, I shall start doing so now.
    
    I will report back in around a half-hour.

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    Alastar Packerposted 14 years ago

    Watching with anxiety paradigm; will put out protective thought emanations for nest. Darwin be d****d.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, 8:14 PM.
    
    The bird is back. All is well.
    
    Bird 1 ~ Darwin 0
    
    

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    Alastar Packerposted 14 years ago

    Oh, forgot, LOL...but I do hope the Hummers make it.

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    sofsposted 14 years ago

    OMG that was a close call ...glad that the hummingbirds survived !!!

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report.
    
    Checked at 7:45 AM, local bird time.
    
    The plump little eggs and nest are intact. All appears well.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 2 ~ Darwin 0
    
    So as to not scare the bird, nightly checks are being discontinued.
    
    Btw, if anyone wishes to post any hummingbird facts here, they are encouraged to do so. Also, are there any suggestions as to names…?

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    How about Hummy and Hummily for names?
    lol..this is turning to be too much fun!
    Hey, can you set up a webcam?

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Alas, I have no webcam.

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          sofsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Maybe you should borrow one!!

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             paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Maybe… I’m the only one who knows about the nest around here. If it were to become common knowledge, it might not go to well for the bird and birds to be. There is one classic-bitch neighbor in particular who I am sure would wreck everything…

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    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    I had a hummer nest in my backyard one year. It was situated below eye level so we were able to take occasional peeks. One day I noticed that the eggs were gone-- then I noticed what looked like two tiny drowned insects. They had hatched out! I don't know what happens to the egg shells. We were able to watch (from a distance) as they were being fed and finally left the nest. All turned out well.

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for the heads up!!! Now I will know what to look for. Very much appreciated!!!

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    Some bird spaces, remove egg shells to make room for their chicks. This is not uncommon. The egg shells that fall to the ground are quickly taken by ants, some lizard species eat them too for their calcium content as well as for the remains of the egg yolk.

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    To add; many bird species will carry off the egg shells and drop them off a distance from the nest. The remains of the egg yolk attracts predators.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    A cheerful update:
    
    I was feeling somewhat depressed about the missed opportunity because of my not having a video cam. Then I got the idea to check youtube.  I did a search for “hummingbird egg hatch”. Sure enough, there were already 100+ videos ahead of me; some of which apparently had won awards. Average views ranged from as little as 2 a day up to a 100 a day.  That hardly translates into a decent revenue-stream.  So, I’m happy to say that I didn’t miss out on some major opportunity here.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Follow-up.
    
    If when I checked youtube there hadn’t been all those videos, then that would have been a whole different matter. One way or the other, I would have gotten a hold of a cam and become a legend in my own mind.
    
    PS Temps are supposed to hit low 90's today. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    They become stressed if temperatures fall to the low 40's, they seek warmer temperatures during winter and are agreeable to summer temperatures.

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks.

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    Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

    Just a quick note:  There are probably others like me who are following this thread without commenting (I mean, before now ).  I really do love this - please keep it going!

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Will do. And I will try not to mention the word, “omelet”.

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    Does anyone know if we can nominate this post/forum for something,like an accolade or something else?

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       That will probably be greatly dependent on how it all ends…

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Meanwhile…
    
    Bird report, middle of day.
    
    For the first time, the bird has been hanging around the nest during the middle of the day. I have spotted him several times. (I don’t know why I keep thinking of the bird as a “him”, when presumably it is a “her”.)
    
    And for whatever reason, they make me think of miniature flying saucers.
    
    I also spotted some sort of black, flying-insect that is darn near as large as the bird. I hope they are friends.
    
    All appears well.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 3 ~ Darwin 0

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31. 61

    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird update, later in the day.
    
    What with the presumably unusual event of the bird hanging around most of the day, I took a quick peek at the eggs when I temporarily didn’t see her. No change.
    
    I hope the trash truck, recycle truck, and green waste trucks don’t scare the daylights out of her tomorrow. If the bird shows up that night after all that, then I would say all the signs are looking good.
    
    Scorecard remains at: Bird 3 ~ Darwin 0

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    ForYourInfoposted 14 years ago

    You must consult with animals rescue team.The eggs need care.Their mother is not there,they must be observed.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird update, around 8:35 AM (local bird time)
    
    Well, looks like the bird is once again hanging around the nest for the day. Saw her flitting here, there, and everywhere.
    
    I was hoping that she would take off elsewhere for the day as she has done in the past; thus avoiding the trash truck, recycle truck, green waste truck, and people racket/noise that is about to ensue all day.
    
    Is the bird a wuss? Or is the bird a bird?  Tonight will tell the tale; if/when she returns to the nest.
    
    Btw, a note about the neighborhood cat. I got to observe him up close and personal, which I hadn’t had the opportunity to do in awhile. That fat slob couldn’t jump up two feet; much less four.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 4 ~ Darwin 0.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    A quick follow-up, around 9:50 AM.
    
    I took a quick peek when the bird was temporarily elsewhere. The nest and eggs are unchanged. All is well.

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    sofsposted 14 years ago

    Wow you really keep track.. thank goodness the cat is too fat for any bad

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Yep, I’m having fun with it.   I hope it all turns out well.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird update, a little after High Noon.
    
    Well, the thundering herd of the three trucks and their accompanying staff have come and gone.
    
    Hummette the Wonder Bird is nowhere to be found.
    
    Stay tuned.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, 3:35 PM.
    
    Bird sighted.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 5 ~ Darwin 0.
    
    

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    How cool! We have a hummingbird nest, too. It is built into the eaves on our back porch. The amazing thing is the materials used for the nest. It looks like shards of glass. A work of art!
    And, I'm happy to report, our hummingparent, who was equally absent for long periods, did not abandon his/her chicks.
    Curently we can spot little hummingbird bills sticking up from the edge of the nest. Sooo cute!
    I hope yours have a happy outcome.
    Please post photos or videos as you get them!

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, 7:45 PM.
    
    I am pleased to announce that my bird is not a wuss.
    
    Her Hummerness is back on her nest.
    
    And a peaceful weekend lies ahead.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 6 ~ Darwin 0

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    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    Good for you. 
    I knew there were hummingbird nest watching videos, but it is  much more fun to see it yourself.
    
    One thing that amazed me was to see that the little ones had much shorter  bills, and when the mother fed them, they looked a bit like sword-swallowers.
    
    I was also surprised to see "our" nest built at such a low location-- it was practically over our backyard spa pool, in a citrus tree on a branch about 4 feet from ground level.  The week before, we had known  hummys were building a nest in our neighbor's front yard flowering plum tree-- about 18 ft high-- but we had a severe windstorm which damaged that tree.
    We surmised that the second attempt at nesting was in a  low, but wind-sheltered corner of our backyard.
    
    Though it was hard, we respectfully kept our distance. I often saw the parent bird, hovering above the nest like a guardian angel, looking in every direction, before she settled in.

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    tlpoagueposted 14 years ago

    It sounds like she is having quiet the adventure. It is fun to watch them. We had a nest of them where I once lived. Our neighbors fed them. I wished I would have taken video or pictures.
    I have enjoyed your posting here. I will be back to see how she does. Good luck Hummer!

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, 8:45 AM.
    
    I peeked around the corner. All appears well.
    
    Mama bird is apparently out shopping as usual.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Well, I finally saw 2 birds at once. Wherever one went, the other followed. Was definitely a mom and dad.
    
    However, I was unable to determine if they were the mom and dad; or some neighbors that had dropped by to swap recipes.

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       Aficionadaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            
       
       (But not recipes for om... um... an unacceptable recipe, right?)
       
         !!!    !!!    !!!

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          paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                 

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    mega1posted 14 years ago

    how LONG does it take for those blasted hummers to hatch?  I am so impatient!  If they got too cool will they not hatch?  goodness.  I am on the edge of my seat! 

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I’ve thought about researching that subject, but this way is more fun. Besides, I don’t know how long they were there before I discovered them.

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          mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I'll just have to wait and see then.  But, man, tiny hummers!  It's so exciting.

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          paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Follow-up.
          
          I should mention that I’m totally fine with any and all hummingbird information that shows up on this thread.
          
          As an example, I’m now wondering:
          
          Is the caring of the chicks a mom and pop operation? Or does dear old dad skip town right after he scores?

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, occurred around 2:35 PM.
    
    Interesting!
    
    We suddenly had some wind gusts.
    
    I went outside to check on the nest. The bird had crammed herself all the way into it to protect everything. This action both protected the eggs from being flipped out and added additional weight to the nest to help stabilize it.
    
    Scorecard: Bird 7 ~ Darwin 0

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    LuisEGonzalezposted 14 years ago

    The male hummingbird does not help raise the babies nor does it help build the nest. They fledglings hatch approximately 18 days after the mother lays the eggs, 90% of the time only two eggs will be laid. They will both hatch the same day and will remain in the nest for about 3 weeks.
    
    If you saw another hummingbird and it was more colorful than the mother, then it was a male, and the mother chases them as well as any other bird away.
    
    On most days, specially cold ones you may find the adult hummingbird "hanging" upside down from a branch by its legs. This occurs because hummingbirds while at rest or cool temperatures, lack of food etc, will go into a torpor or a deep sleep pattern during which their metabolism decreases considerably and will take them several minutes to an hour before they warm up enough to take flight.

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       paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks!
       
       
       
       So that was what was going on...
       
       
       
       It's been unusually warm around here for the last several days, I have not seen (or noticed) that yet. Now I will know to look for it.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Some additional notes to my 2:35 PM bird report.
    
    There have been no more strong gusts since my previous report. But there does continue to be intermittent, sudden breezes.
    
    As to the original gust; it was strong enough to knock over my across-the-street, neighbor’s vertical rain gutter. Did the bird get back to the nest in time then? I have no idea.
    
    There is no way for me to check if both eggs are still there, since the bird now keeps rapidly leaving and returning and getting back into the nest.
    
    I am retracting my previous statement about the bird not being very bright. The usual wind direction around here is such that if the bird had picked the backyard instead of the front; that nest would very probably be toast now.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Date/Time Stamp for this thread.
    
    (Better late than never.)
    
    This post made April 30, 2011, 4:27 PM (local bird time aka Pacific Coast Time, USA.)
    
    The OP calculates to have been made on April 26th, sometime in the middle of the day.
    
    Edit: And I had discovered the nest a few days before making my first post about it.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    Bird report, ~6:25 PM (local bird time)
    
    I am pleased to report the following:
    
    Weather is back to totally calm. Apparently it will stay that way since the bird has temporarily gone away again.
    
    Both the eggs and nest are undamaged.
    
    Scorecard remains at: Bird 7 ~ Darwin 0.
    
    This concludes today’s reporting.

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    Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

    Gooooo, Hummette!  Thanks for the excellent reports (PS) and all the exciting ornithology details (L.E.G.).  I love this thread!

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