It’s only mildly ironic that today’s post evokes thoughts of sunshine and warmth, considering it is freezing and snowy outside! Hummingbirds! My husband is obsessed with dollar store hummingbird feeders, which has resulted in me being obsessed with hummingbirds! One day I was sitting out on the patio, reading a book, when one curious little hummingbird ventured close to the table and approached the straw on my drink! I was unable to get a photo (of course!) but since then, I always place my drink a little farther from me on the table and keep my phone open to the camera with the sound off, just in case I get another visitor!
Here are a few interesting facts I found out about hummingbirds as I have been learning about ways to attract more of these intriguing little birds.
- Hummingbirds are able to remember every flower & feeder they’ve been to. They also know how long it will take a flower to refill. I love this! We have been convinced for years that our frequent flyers are just traveling a circuit and we are one of their many stops on the way.
- Hummingbirds have weak feet, usually using them for perching. Hmmm a few of our hummingbirds must be lazier than average hummingbird (or maybe they just have stronger feet!! As you can see in the photo about, he’s clearly sitting there.)
- A hummingbird’s average life span is 5 years, sometimes living more than 10 years. Based on some of the distinctive personalities of our hummingbirds, we have always known that they do return each year.
- Nearly one third of a hummingbird’s weight is from their pectoral (chest) muscles, which are initially responsible for their ability to fly. These little guys are pretty amazing fliers. We have watched them battle high winds, trying to reach their favorite feeder. (Also, they zip off like a shot when they realize I’m trying to take their picture– although that might also be in part due to their eyesight– the next fun fact!)
- Hummingbirds have no sense of smell and have to depend on their keen eyesight! More than once I have caught one of these cheeky devils hovering by the window, apparently trying to make eye contact?? when the feeder is empty!!
- Hummingbirds can be some of the most aggressive birds. They are territorial about their backyard feeders and are known to scare off larger birds. We have one mean guy who is selective about who gets to feed at our feeders (and we are talking about his fellow hummingbird friends!) He has been known to run off a few of the smaller birds when they come around.
Now, I just need the weather and time to get my space decked out to welcome these little guys!
Sources-
18 Facts You Never Knew About Hummingbirds
25 Fun Facts About Hummingbirds
Hope you’re having a sunshine day!
-Kat
Dandelion Fuzz 