Dining with Clarence

E

Ed Mashburn

Member
Good evening to all- Since moving to Phoenix, we've gone through a lot of changes, and we've got to spend a lot of time with grandsons.
I must admit, I do not like living in a big city. I miss our animals, and I miss seeing a wide range of wild animals.
However, we have put out a hummingbird feeder since there are very many hummingbirds in Arizona, and we have our own personal hummingbird who visits us quite often. I've named him "Clarence" and he comes right under our porch and roof, and he looks us right in the face when we go out to eat most of our meals.
Today, Clarence flew right up to me as I was eating my barbecue lunch, and he chirped and fussed at us for being on his turf and taking up room on his porch.
Of all the things I've met in Phoenix, and must admit that Clarence is the best thing.
So, I guess the message is: there's good to be found where ever we find ourselves- but we may have to look hard to find it.
Good evening to all- Ed
 

That's funny Ed. A teeny bird the size of a bumblebee trying to pull rank on you. They are actually amazing little birds. I see them around but never that close up, you have seen what many people never have an opportunity to see. Not too very long ago, I saw on the internet a clip of a person with these tiny creatures actually coming right up to them on a feeder. You never know, Clarence and you may become friends too!
 

Wonderful that you and Clarence can share your space and get along with each other. Kudos for making the best of city life Ed, I can understand your missing all the animals, etc. Keep looking, you'll find more good I'm sure. :love_heart:
 
Hi Ed - I'm new to the forum and I really enjoyed your post. You described the scene so well that I could really "see" what was happening and imagine Clarence giving you what-for for invading his newly claimed turf. Keep writing please.
 
Hi Ed, yea, hummingbirds are fascinating. I have a motion-sensing camera that I set in the kitchen window, for capturing a glimpse of visitors to our feeders. Hang on a sec, let me see if I can find a couple pics on the computer.


O.K., here we go:

DSCF1895.JPG



I believe this is a Scott's Oriole:


DSCN0841.jpg
 
We had a hummer feeder set up next to our RV this summer and attracted a bunch. One in particular was a bit of a bully, always trying to drive the others away. I didn't realize they were territorial, or maybe just he was. He would also get very upset with the bees that liked to visit the feeder.
 
I always keep a feeder filled for them. They're feisty little devils; always chasing each other away.

Don't know if it's territorial or just selfishness. I'd miss them if they weren't around.

I've had them come up and stare me right in the face. And I'm the one who blinks first. LOL
 
Question? What do you put in the feeders to attract hummingbirds? I know certain flowers and flowering shrubs will bring them around. I have a couple of those feeders where you add sugar water but that doesn't work very well. I'm sure we don't have near the population as the warmer climates, I am assuming they must migrate in the colder months. That would require a lot of wing-flapping for those tiny guys! Great pics.
 
Hummers are very friendly little birds. I have a feeder on the deck but they are only in my area for one or two months in the summer. They look right in the window at me sometimes.

I usually have flowers in pots on the deck that attract the little guys.

Carla ~ I live in Minnesota.

Ed - your bird photos are wonderful. Bird watching has been a life-long hobby for me. If you are not already a bird watcher, AZ would be a great place to start a life list. You record each different bird you spot along with the date and place you saw it.

I wish you lots of fun and comfort in your new home.
 
Humming bird food: 1 part sugar/ 4 parts water. Bring to a boil then let it cool. Fill the feeders with it. You may also
add a few drops of RED food coloring to the mixture, although not necessary.



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Hummingbirds are fun to watch. We keep a couple of feeders filled every Summer, and there are usually a bunch buzzing around. Whats fun to watch is when one "claims" a feeder, and chases the others off until he/she has their fill. I have a bright orange baseball cap on when I'm working outdoors, and it's not unusual for a hummer to mistake my cap for a big flower, and come buzzing right up to my face. That's happened so many times that I don't even hardly flinch anymore.
 
Humming Birds are amazing little creatures. We have a couple of feeders in the back yard and during the summer they are a true joy to watch. We have fruit trees and bushes that attract a variety of critters. Lots of squirrels to watch. They are all fun to watch
 

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