Hummingbirds

Howdy, You all,

A few days ago, I put up a hummingbird feeder, because I knew that we live in an area where they visit. I also planted some hummingbird vine that Imazo had given me. That very evening, I saw some hummingbirds come by and drink at the feeder. What a wonderful thing to observe! I am posting a picture of the feeder, but have no pictures yet of the little beauties feasting.

Interested in the habits and facts of these little creatures, I did some googling to get the information I wanted. I found out that their brains are larger proportionately to their body than that of any other birds. I also discovered that they can fly upward, backwards, forwards and can hover, and also can perch, but they never walk. Their feet are not made for walking, only perching or scratching their heads.

They have an unusual tongue, as well. They don't drink with their beaks; in fact, only open their beaks far enough to stick their long tongue into the nectar. They roll their tongues up into little straw-like tubes, forming troughs for the liquid. They lap the nectar kind of like cats lap milk or liquids.

The hummers eat insects as well as drinking nectar. I read that if you place overripe fruit near your feeders to attract fruit-loving flies, they can feed on the flies. It suggests that banana peels are really good for this purpose. The hummers need the insects to supply protein for their diet.

The hummers use their hands to fly; yeah, I know, you thought they used their wings. Well, it seems that they have extremely long "hand bones" to support the large primary feathers and enable rapid wing strokes while keeping the wings from bending in two. So, in a way, they almost fly with their hands.

These tiny birds only weigh from 3 - 4 ounces and eat about every 15-20 minutes. The humming sound that they make (I've never heard it, but I'm sure they do) is from singing with their hands. It is the humming of their wings that gives them their name.

Well, there you have it. A lot of info about these little valiant birds who interest so many people.

I found a lot more information about them, but decided this was probably enough for now.

More tomorrow from Blabbin' Grammy. Just think, only God could have created such a fascinating little creature! God blesses us so much, doesn't he?

Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now.