Comments on: Hummingbird takes a shower in the lawn sprinklers

By: Gary Bogue

Gary Bogue — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:27:52 +0000

Tish: They USUALLY nest earlier than other birds. Sometimes, if we have a weird weather year (like this year), with lots of rain and cold temperatures, they will nest later like yours is doing. Also, hummingbirds will sometimes nest 2-3 times a year. Your hummer may have already nested once this year. This may be your Mamabird’s second nest this spring. That’s why birdwatching is so much fun. You don’t always know what the neck is going on! /Gary

By: Tish Gill

Tish Gill — Sun, 15 May 2011 20:32:14 +0000

I, too, live in Oakley, and I have a Hummingbird situation that has me totally confused.

Our backyard has been a refuge, for years now, for birds, especially my Hummingbirds (and red and yellow Finches.) In February of 2009 and 2010 we were blessed to have a Mamabird nest in our avocado tree – at eye level. We have many wonderful photos – even one of my husband protecting the nest with an umbrella during a particularly nasty rain storm. We were disappointed when she didn’t return this year.

Now, it’s my understanding that Hummingbirds nest and hatch earlier than other birds, to protect the babies from predators – allowing them to get bigger, stronger and more street smart before they need to protect themselves.

We now, in mid May, have a Mamabird furiously building a nest in the avocado tree. Is it likely it’s her again? Why would she have delayed the construction? Is this common? Anyone out there know?

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sun, 15 May 2011 11:02:12 +0000

Gary and Dave,
When I had my house in Hayward, I had a very large backyard with a vegetable garden. I would water before work in the mornings and early evening. I also had an Anna’s that showered while I watered. He would hover within just a couple of feet and sometimes almost sit on my shoulder, then go sit on a branch of the peach tree to groom and dry off. He was many times the hightlight of the day.

Gary thank you so much for having this blog. I really enjoy reading and seeing all of the marvelous entries.

Ruth, Concord, CA