{"id":2184,"date":"2013-05-07T08:41:16","date_gmt":"2013-05-07T12:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2013-05-07T09:27:06","modified_gmt":"2013-05-07T13:27:06","slug":"say-hello-to-hummingbirds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/say-hello-to-hummingbirds\/","title":{"rendered":"Say Hello to Hummingbirds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-2191\" alt=\"Copyright Richard Reynolds\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2013\/05\/HummingbirdRichardReynolds1.jpg\" width=\"358\" height=\"231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2013\/05\/HummingbirdRichardReynolds1.jpg 448w, https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2013\/05\/HummingbirdRichardReynolds1-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px\" \/>There are many highlights of spring bird migration, but it&#8217;s often one of the smallest birds that makes the biggest impression!<\/p>\n<p>Every year in late April, early May <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/massaudubon.org\/hummingbirds\/\" target=\"_blank\">ruby-throated\u00a0hummingbirds<\/a><\/strong> return to Massachusetts after spending their winter in Central America.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Identifying Hummingbirds<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The male ruby-throated hummingbird is unmistakable, with glossy green feathers and a stunning red &#8220;gorget&#8221; (the area below the beak) that glitters like its namesake. The females may lack the ruby throat, but they are just as easy to ID: this species is\u00a0the type of hummingbird that nests in the eastern United States.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Attracting Hummingbirds<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To bring these jewel-like birds to your yard, make sure there\u2019s lots of food on hand\u2014and we mean <em>a lot<\/em>.<em>\u00a0<\/em>According to the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/page.aspx?pid=1098#q-bird-eating\" target=\"_blank\">Cornell Lab of\u00a0Ornithology<\/a>,\u00a0they consume their own weight in sugar water or nectar every day, and that&#8217;s on top of thousands of insects.<\/p>\n<p>A hummingbird feeder is a good way to start. A few tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you haven&#8217;t put the feeder out already, do so now. Our experts note that you can put out hummingbird feeders as early as the last week in April, but early May works just as well.<\/li>\n<li>Make your own nectar by combining 4 parts boiling water with 1 part sugar. Make sure it\u2019s cool before you put it in the feeder; save leftovers in the fridge.<\/li>\n<li>The color of the nectar is not important. It&#8217;s\u00a0the red color of the feeding port that attracts the hummingbirds.<\/li>\n<li>Clean your feeder at least once a week.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t fret about ants in your feeder. The hummingbirds will eat them for lunch!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also grow flowers that provide nectar for hummingbirds. Two options are native bee balm (<i>Monarda<\/i>) and purple coneflowers (<i>Echinacea<\/i>).\u00a0If you have the space, try to plant different flower varieties so that there are blooms throughout the warm months. Your hummingbirds will be happy, and you will be, too.<\/p>\n<p>Do you attract hummingbirds to your yard? Tell us how in the comments! And be sure to report any hummingbird sightings in our <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/massaudubon.org\/hummingbirds\/report\/sign_in.php\" target=\"_blank\">Hummingbird Reporting Tool<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Need a feeder? Pick one up either at the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.massaudubon.org\/shop\/\" target=\"_blank\">Audubon Shop<\/a><\/strong> in Lincoln or <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shop.massaudubon.org\/store\/category\/4\/8\/Hummingbird-%26-Oriole-Feeders\/\" target=\"_blank\">order one online<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>Photo\u00a0\u00a9 Richard Reynolds<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many highlights of spring bird migration, but it&#8217;s often one of the smallest birds that makes the biggest impression! Every year in late April, early May ruby-throated\u00a0hummingbirds return to Massachusetts after spending their winter in Central America. Identifying Hummingbirds The male ruby-throated hummingbird is unmistakable, with glossy green feathers and a stunning red [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[28,116],"class_list":["post-2184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nature-notes","tag-birds","tag-hummingbirds"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3t87A-ze","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9223,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/a-quick-guide-to-hummingbirds\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":0},"title":"A Quick Guide to Hummingbirds","author":"Ryan D.","date":"June 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Have you spotted hummingbirds in your garden yet? These tiny, buzzing birds are a welcome sight in gardens across Massachusetts every spring, returning from their spring migration in late April and early May. With plenty of nectar-bearing flowers about now, they're definitely back\u2014and they are HUNGRY. The Cornell Lab of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Nature Notes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Nature Notes","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/nature-notes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Ruby-throated Hummingbird \u00a9 Phil Sorrentino","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/06\/604Phil_Sorrentino12234_cropped.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/06\/604Phil_Sorrentino12234_cropped.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/06\/604Phil_Sorrentino12234_cropped.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15659,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-return-of-the-ruby-throated-hummingbirds\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":1},"title":"Take 5: Return of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds","author":"Ryan D.","date":"May 3, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Massachusetts'\u00a0smallest breeding bird\u00a0is also one of our most beautiful. As their name describes, male Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have glossy green feathers above and a stunning red gorget that glitters in the sun like their gemstone namesake. Though females and juveniles lack the bright scarlet throat of the males, they are still\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Take 5&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Ruby-throated Hummingbird \u00a9 Phil Sorrentino","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/04\/604Phil_Sorrentino12237-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/04\/604Phil_Sorrentino12237-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/04\/604Phil_Sorrentino12237-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/04\/604Phil_Sorrentino12237-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15948,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-pollinator-power\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":2},"title":"Take 5: Pollinator Power","author":"Ryan D.","date":"June 21, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"It's National Pollinator Week! This is a time to celebrate pollinators and raise awareness about how to protect them. So what are pollinators? Pollinators are creatures that help plants reproduce by spreading\u00a0a powdery material called pollen among flowers of the same species when the sticky pollen attaches to their bodies\u2014many\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Take 5&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Hummingbird Clearwing Moth on beebalm \u00a9 Lynne Harding","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/06\/5643Lynne_Harding27773-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/06\/5643Lynne_Harding27773-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/06\/5643Lynne_Harding27773-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/06\/5643Lynne_Harding27773-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7712,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-baby-birds\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":3},"title":"Take 5: Baby Birds","author":"Hillary T.","date":"May 31, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"When you see a baby bird out of its nest, it's hard to resist the urge to help. While it may seem helpless, more often than not the baby bird is just fine. Most birds that people try to rescue are still being cared for by their parents and should\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Take 5&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/05\/960DeborahMonte5017.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/05\/960DeborahMonte5017.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/05\/960DeborahMonte5017.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5321,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-handsome-hummingbirds\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":4},"title":"Take 5: Handsome Hummingbirds","author":"Rosemary","date":"May 4, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"This spring's first ruby-throated hummingbirds have finally arrived in Massachusetts. To celebrate, here are five beautiful portraits of these birds from past editions of our Photo Contest. Also, you can report\u00a0your sightings\u00a0and find answers to some frequently asked questions about hummingbirds. Have a great shot of your own? Enter our\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Take 5&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/04\/Jonathan-Elcock-2014.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/04\/Jonathan-Elcock-2014.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/04\/Jonathan-Elcock-2014.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5633,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/make-your-summer-count\/","url_meta":{"origin":2184,"position":5},"title":"Make Your Summer Count","author":"Hillary T.","date":"June 16, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"The flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and butterflies are fluttering\u2014it\u2019s a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors! Get reacquainted with a favorite walking trail. Be dazzled by returning ruby-throated hummingbirds. Explore by canoe or kayak to enjoy a new perspective. Savor delicious produce from local farms. You\u2019ll find\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Get Involved&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Get Involved","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/get-involved\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"\u00a9 Justin Miel","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/06\/2408Justin_Miel11191-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2184"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2203,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions\/2203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}