Re: Hummingbird Feeder
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Re: Hummingbird Feeder
- From: S* A* O*
- Date: Thu, 09 Nov 2000 12:09:31 -0800
At 04:55 PM 11/8/00 -0700, Paul Harrar wrote:
>Why don't we discuss our favorite "hummingbird magnet" plants instead of
>sugar recipes? Just trying to be environmentally responsible...
Paul -
I've been sort of drifting in this direction as well, though perhaps not
with such high-minded intention as you. Our feeder broke before a while
ago and I've been so busy and forgetful that it has not been
replaced. WHen the weather was fine, I thought there was time. Now that
its getting cooler, I've been a bit concerned. But I've also noticed the
same as you, that the birds are finding flowers in the garden and seem to
be doing quite well. We have a lot of flowers in general, so much to that
neighbor's complain that the hummers don't come to their feeders!
As far as plants go, almost any nectar bearing flower is on their menu -
they don't seem to care much! Tubular flowers are popular but they also go
for open flowers - they are quite adaptable. And color makes no difference.
This morning, I found a couple of hummers fighting over a very tall
Nicotiana species in full flower at my son's school. I got it as a
seedling dug from the Golden Gate Park and still have no idea what species
it is. I planted it at the school because I thought is would be
interesting for the kids to see - turns out it gets a lot of looks from the
parents as well! The leaves are very large and sticky. The flowers are in
a huge, open cluster at the top of the tall, 6-10ft stems. They are cream
with a wide rose edge, tubular with a bowl-like opening. I hadn't thought
of this being a hummingbird plant, but after seeing it with 3 separate
hummers after the nectar, I'll have to find a place for it in my own
garden! (about as easy to place as the Tree Dahlia!! ;-)
Regards,
Sean O.
h o r t u l u s a p t u s - 'a garden suited to its purpose'
Sean A. O'Hara fax (707) 667-1173 sean.ohara@groupmail.com
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
