By KAREN MADORIN
Rats. Mid-August and I’ve only seen one hummer in the yard!
Once again, the earth has tilted on its axis, turning days golden and foretelling southward hummingbird migrations. Where are these late summer travelers?
I remind myself, I don’t hang out in the yard all day every day, so, in theory, dozens could visit our bright blooms, and I haven’t a clue. But . . . I don’t think so.
I’m outside several extended stretches throughout the day, and I regularly gander out the windows. So far I spied one iridescent traveler sipping nectar from an overloaded flower pot. Nearby neighbors report a few additional sightings, but not in numbers I expect this time of year.
Once days take on the golden shade that suggests autumn’s approach, those transcontinental travelers need to get their affairs in order. This homo sapien traveler suggests planned stops during their long journeys so they can rest and refuel. Throwing in a personal advertisement, I offer my yard, since I plant flowers to encourage those stopovers.
Based on birding posts, some folks do see frequent visitors at their feeders. That suggests an issue because we opted to forego artificial feeders filled with 4 to 1 water/sugar mixture in favor of more bright blooms throughout the yard.
Some ask why.
I did it because it’s difficult to keep glass and plastic that hangs outside well-sanitized this scorching time of year. I hoped to prevent my whirring-winged guests from getting more than a sugar buzz.
In the past, when temps exceeded 85 degrees, I dumped leftover syrup, washed feeders in hot soapy water, and followed with multiple rinses before refilling with fresh solution. That complicates matters for families who want to leave town for a few hours or days. Who wants to leave hungry hummers wondering where their feeder went?
Since we saw hummingbirds choose blooms over Gramma’s syrup every summer, we decided to experiment and offer additional flower selections.
Though heat takes a toll, roses, salvia, helianthus, holly hocks, trumpet vine, Indian blanket, larkspur, black-eyed Susans, coneflower, petunias, geraniums, schwarzenberry, nasturtiums, moss rose, cosmos, sunflower, marigold, tomato, squash, and pepper keep blooming to attract famished hummers. During refueling stops, they can rest on shady branches and sip water from multiple bird baths. We’re all about accommodating these exotic guests.
Those who follow this column know I suffer this angst annually. Obviously, ditching the feeder and sugar water solution complicates matters. However, I’m convinced hummers used to sipping nectar in northern fields of flowers will thrill to find flavorful prairie and garden blossoms replacing those they left behind.
Hopefully, you’ll soon read that hordes of hummers like you’d see outside mountain condos are flying donuts choosing which flowers to sample. I’d love to exhaust my clicker finger taking photos to share.
For those feeling sorry for travelers who have to work for natural food, hang a feeder or two of your own. Just follow the 4 to 1 water/sugar formula and sanitize it daily in hot weather.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.