The Chuparosa Challenge-Exotic Numbers

 Off the infamous Pipeline Road in Gamboa, Panama, we went to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center.  It was a hike into some of the most beautiful rain forest of Panama.  It was also last year that I would be converted into a birder.  The nice thing about a blog is that you can review your notes and journals from the past.  And I have to admit that since our trip there, a lot has changed for me.  I feel smarter about wildlife and especially about birds.  As I was working on the Chuparosa challenge, I came upon a website that reminded me about another aspect of hummingbirds.  We have 17 species in North America.  But did you know that we really have over 356 species in the Americas!!!?? 51 of which are endangered.  And most of them are found in Central and South America.

Long Billed Hermit

 Then I remembered that I had all of these photos from Panama.  I didn't know much about hummingbirds at the time.  And my older camera was difficult to use.  I started discovering limitations on photography.  A couple months later, I'd have a professional camera to capture my shots.  But looking back at these pictures, I'd had to say that they aren't bad at all.  However, I took more shots with that older camera than I would have with my current one just to get that "one shot".

 There are some amazing hummingbirds that truly stand out from the rest in this incredibly beautiful bird family.  So I thought I'd challenge myself and identify the ones I caught on camera.

Violet Bellied Hummingbird

 Some hummingbirds have massive bills like the Sword Billed Hummingbird.  I am not joking when I say their bills are almost longer than the length of their body.  And some have tails that are very elegant and loooong.  I've seen this particular one flying around....it looked like something out of a disney movie. It's called the Booted Racket Tail.  Most of these exotic species are found in Ecuador.  I have yet to go there so when I do, you all know what I'll be doing:)  We were in the Amazon of Peru where I had the chance to observe lots of monkeys and birds....and my infamous Jaguar sighting:)

 Some hummingbirds have a mohawk like the Frilled Coquette. About 10 seconds into the video, you'll have a better look.

Blue Chested Hummingbird

 The fact is that there are so many kinds of hummingbirds that it is probably one of the most challenging jobs out there for a person to have.  I've spoken about the id'ing of females in this group as well as distinguishing the minor differences between species......like the Ruby Throated and Broad Billed Hummingbirds.  It can all be very tricky. And I'm sure there are still species out there that haven't been identified yet in the last remaining untouched areas of the Amazona.

White Necked Jacobin
There are a lot of hummers I haven't mentioned.  But WOW!!!  Next time on my journeys, I'll be better prepared:) For more fun on tropical birds, check out my video below from Panama last year.   More tomorrow....

Got Hummingbirds?

At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum

This year has been a revelation for me in a lot of areas that surround my life.  Today, I'm going to make it official and "out myself" as an amateur birder.  It was inevitable.  I've always loved birds, but I really started getting into it more during our trip to Panama.  Ivan, if you are reading this, you knew it was going to happen:)  This is a series of shots from over the year in Panama, around Arizona, and in my backyard. 

Outside my dining room window

First off, if you want hummingbirds, you need to get a feeder.  This pic above is from my dining room window.  If you are beginning, keep your feeder somewhere close to your windows so that you enjoy the action.  The feeders are much cheaper than the regular bird feeders that require an expensive mixture of bird seed:) Hummers are attracted to reds and oranges and that's why most feeders are red.  Don't put red dye in the water and DO change out your feeder every week to prevent bacteria from building up.  You don't want your new friends to get sick.

The recipe is simple.    Boil 4 cups of water.  Add one cup of sugar. Mix together. Let cool and add to feeder.  Any leftover, put in fridge for switch out later on. The solution will last one week in the fridge. Simple and easy. And if you begin feeding the hummingbirds, remember to be consistent and regular with your feeding.  So no missing weeks:)  I kind of look at them as my adopted friends.  In fact, the birds now wait for me to come out and switch up their food for them and it makes me happy.  I love birds but I don't like seeing them in cages.  Birds were meant to fly.

I now am a proud gardener of 4 hummingbird families that swarm around the feeders.   If you live in Tucson or surrounding areas, you absolutely MUST try this out.  We are home to MANY hummers and you'll be rewarded for your efforts. 

The Sonoran Desert Museum

Things started happening for me when I put birdseed outside our window.  The birds came and with it, their music and antics.  I made the El Presidio Gardens come alive and actually feel like a real bird sanctuary.  Over the past years, we've had many visitors, but not like this.  Today we have lots of birds hanging around waiting for some food and fun.   Our dining room window has become the "big screen TV" for our cats.  It also captures the attention of our guests and friends around the grounds.  Everyone has been enjoying the visits from our new feathered friends.

Shots taken in Panama

There are so many kinds of hummingbirds that vary from color, size, and shape that it can be overwhelming for first timers.  And if that isn't confusing enough, the male and female look different from one another which can add to the confusion.

And let's not forget about the plants we use in our gardens.  Hummingbirds are attracted to long tubular flowered plants.  Several great plant choices for your landscape are.....the Blue palo verde, Foothills palo verde, Cascalote, Desert willow( I have my feeder on this tree as well!), Baja red fairy duster, Chuparosas, Hummingbird trumpet, Mexican honeysuckle, Penstemon species, Salvia species and Yellow bells are just some examples.

Some cacti and succulents include Ocotillo, Aloe species, and the Hesperaloe species(Red Yucca is a hummer magnet)!!!!  While yellow, orange, pink, and red blossom are a hummingbird favorite, they will also visit plants with blue flowers as well.

Most of our hummers have small nests located in our Live Oaks around the property.  The nest is tiny and adorable.  When babies emerge, they look like those large black bees flying out of their nests. I've found nests in the Xylosma, Live Oaks and Bamboo forests on the side of our home.

I have the feeling that this year is the beginning of my urban wildlife gardening in the Old Pueblo.  I also tend to think they are super intelligent creatures that are very territorial.  They've gotten so comfortable that they'll fly right next to me while I'm watering the garden and just hang out.  When I put the feeder out with fresh juice, they'll feed right next to me.  Of course, several of these little guys are the hatchlings from our nests on the property.

So what's your personal experience with these little critters?