Hummingbirds (Backyard Bird Feeding Guides) - Softcover

Tekiela, Stan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591935296 ISBN 13: 9781591935292

Publisher: Adventure Publications, 2015

Synopsis

Learn to Attract and Feed Your Favorite Birds

The glittering throat patch of the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a worthy adornment for this princely bird. And what else can captivate a bird watcher as much as a hummingbird’s aerial acrobatics? With insights from acclaimed naturalist Stan Tekiela, learn what foods to provide to keep hummingbirds coming back, as well as which feeders they prefer and why. You’ll also find out how to make your yard into a habitat they will visit and how to store your feed and maintain your feeders. With hummingbird photographs, trivia and quick tips, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates hummingbirds and wants to attract and feed them.

About this title

About the Author:

Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the author of more than 175 field guides, nature books, children’s books, wildlife audio CDs, puzzles and playing cards, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti in the United States. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 25 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Feeder Types

Jar or Container Feeder: These feeders are the most common type for hummingbirds. They are simply a glass or plastic bottle or jar attached to a plastic or metal device that serves up sugar water in a simulated flower-like structure. The twist top and neck of these feeders often make them hard to clean. The best ones have wide mouths that allow a bottlebrush to fit for scrubbing.

Plate or Flat Feeder: These are often flat, plate-like structures with flower-like ports where hummers can feed. They often have a central metal pin or stalk from which the feeder hangs. Usually they have built-in ant moats. They come apart easily, which makes for trouble-free cleaning.

Window Feeder: Typically made of plastic, window feeders for hummers are usually small, clear and trimmed in bright red, with suction cups that adhere tightly to the surface of windows. They are excellent for attracting hummingbirds to watch and enjoy close-up. Window feeders don’t hold a lot of nectar and need to be refilled frequently, but they are easy to open and clean.

Test Tube Feeder: These are small, thin plastic or glass feeders shaped like a test tube, usually with a red tip to help attract hummingbirds. They are good for small patios and spaces where large feeders won’t fit. Test tube feeders run dry quickly and need refilling often, but they work well to draw hummers to see up close.

Decorative Feeder: Often made of handblown glass or similar material. These often look great, but they don’t disassemble and there is no way to scrub the inside. They usually don’t last more than one season.

Bee Guards: Hummer feeders should have bee guards on their feeding ports. In late summer, when bees, wasps and other nectar-loving insects are more plentiful, it becomes much more important to have some sort of bee guards on feeders to reduce the chances of bees gathering the nectar.

A bee guard is typically a small plastic device that increases the distance from the surface of the plastic flower to the nectar solution. Bees have short tongues and can’t extend them more than a quarter inch. Hummingbirds use their long bills and tongues to reach deep into the feeding ports to reach the nectar. Look for bee guards when deciding on a feeder.

About this edition

• Publisher: Adventure Publications
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1591935296
• ISBN 13: 9781591935292
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48