Do you think I had my first Hummingbird of the year?

[Cody]

I got home today and went to refill my feeders when I noticed that there was quite a bit of liquid missing from my hummingbird feeder. So I went to look at it, and noticed that not only was there almost quater of the bottle missing, but there was some liquid on one of the flowers that stick out of the feeder. I did not see any bird/birds,  so I am not asking for ID, but I am asking if you think that I may have had my first Hummingbird.  


I figure that with all the great weather these past few days that the bird/birds may have come off of the Escarpment while migrating to feed.


It couldnt have spilt out of the feeder either, so please dont say that.

[GStuart]

Might you have had a squirrel?

[Howieh]

It's certainly possible, check these out:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/humm ... g2010.html

http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

Looks like it's time to put out the hummingbird feeders!

[Halton Hills]

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Is you feeder hanging on a string or wire?

If it's windy, the feeder can swing side to side enough to empty it in a day.


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[Cody]

Ya, its on a plastic string hanger, on a shepards hook but the string is probably 3CM from the feeder and it doesnt blow in the wind (I have watched it on very windy days).  Thanks for the suggestion but I dont think it spilt.

[Niloc]

Sounds more like Raccoons beleive it or not my local coons will tip the hummer feeder and drink the sweet liquid, in fact last night I caught her doing it....I have to take mine down every night...

[Halton Hills]

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It's possible that a Hummingbird may have visited......but that wouldn't explain the drastic drop in level.

As suggested, Cody, more than likely it was a squirrel or raccoon.......or the wind.

The wind comes from different directions and can gust when you're not looking......it doesn't take much.

The fact that there was liquid outside the feeder points toward something happening......as a Hummingbird doesn't "spill" anything while feeding.

You would need a dozen Hummingbirds feeding all day to make the level drop noticeably.


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[mr.sharp-photo]

As a side note, i've heard mixed information about the ethics of having hummingbird feeders.
people claim they prevent pollination and they make the hummingbirds fatter and lazier. anyone know if this is true?

[Luv2Bird]

I agree with Halton Hills .. as I have had many hummingbirds that past two summers.  I watch the levels during the summer when there are two or three every 10 - 15 minutes. The level barely drops even when there are so many.  

The Hummers visit the flowers in my garden even with two feeders out ..so Yogi .. I have to wonder if there's any truth to what you heard. I've seen and photographed many many birds and I have never seen a "fat" Hummer !  
Maybe there's something on the net about it?

[Bluffs Birder]

I've never seen a fat bird of any kind before.  Somebody post a photo of one please!!!

Walter

[Niloc]

Fat birds are out there but they are usually beefed up before they depart on a migration look at this Robin
http://www.colinmarcano.com/photo4331328.html

Because of genetics it is pretty impossible for a Hummer to be fat...

[Bluffs Birder]

Hey Colin,

I doubt that that bird could even fly if it was that fat.  I would say more than likely that it has it's feathers fluffed out (which provides 'air' insulation, warmth, for the bird) as it sits out sunning itself on a cool day.  Btw - Great photo!

Walter

[Niloc]

A little of both Walter, I have seen some pretty big Robins, this one was with a group feeding in High Park with some Waxwings, they were considerably bigger than other Robins in the Park..