Hummingbird heaven
Photo credit: William Fox
It is the time of year for hummingbirds, especially the ruby-throated species, to head south, and if you have a feeder you are likely to see clusters of them as they fuel up for the long trip.Bill Fox of Joppatowne captured these images, and we here at Garden Variety are the beneficiaries.
The birds in this picture were attracted to the trumpet vines in Fox's backyard. A few will winter over in Maryland, but not many. Most will spend the season in Mexico before making their way back, according to Dr. Jerome Jackson, a biology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Interestingly, you are not likely to see clusters of hummingbirds at your feeder in the spring. That's because the males chase everyone else away. In the fall, everybody is more willing to share, Jackson said.
If you'd like to attract hummingbirds, purchase a specially made feeder - usually made of bright colors -- and fill with a liquid that is one part sugar to four parts water. Boil the water first, dissolve the sugar and refrigerate.
No need to color the nectar. It doesn't help attract the birds and it could be harmful.
The shrubs and plants you choose for your garden will catch the eye of this little beauties, too. They like bee balm, hollyhock, hibiscus, trumpet honeysuckle, clematis, impatiens, phlox and fuchsias, to name just a few.
Thanks, Bill, for sharing.
