This afternoon there was a program focused on how to attract hummingbirds. It was held in the Innis House, and was geared to the 50+ age group. (Wow - is that really us?) One of the park naturalists taught us about hummies and how to attract them to yards and feeders. She had photos and a tiny hummy nest in a box, but then, she said she knew where there was a hummingbird nest and she was going to take us to see it! WHAT??? How Exciting!!!
Hummies typically lay 2 eggs, and the babies stay in the nest for about 4 weeks. Mom has to feed them every 20 minutes!!! Dad is NO help at all. Some mothers will have 2 nests going at once. After the first babies are big and sort of filling up nest #1, Mom will start another nest with 2 more eggs. They typically like small maples, because the thin trunks are too flimsy for racoons to climb. They also often nest near hawks, because the hawks don't bother with them, and they keep other medium sized birds away. They rely heavily on spider web strands to start their nests. The nests are often reused for more than a year if they survive the winter. The lifespan of a hummingbird is about 7 years, and they often return to the same areas when they come back from their winter in the south.
Here is what we saw:
And, the rhododendrons and some peonies where at peak as well:
Thanks for visiting! I'll see you again soon!
:)Amy
Very nice photos!!
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