Hummingbirds of New York: Tiny Jewels with a Big Appetite (For Sugar Water)
Ah, the hummingbird. Those dazzling little helicopters of the bird world, flitting from flower to flower like aerial pixies. But did you know that not just any hummingbird graces the skies of New York? Buckle up, birding enthusiasts (and sugar water enthusiasts, apparently), because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of these feathered jewels.
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| What Hummingbirds Are In New York |
The Rightful Ruler: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Forget warring kingdoms, New York has a single, undisputed hummingbird champion: the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. These little dynamos are the rockstars (or should we say, rock-chickens) of the hummingbird scene. They migrate all the way from Central America just to grace our gardens with their iridescent feathers and impressive hovering skills. Fun fact: they can beat their wings up to 80 times per second! That's faster than a speeding sugar bullet (which, coincidentally, is their favorite food source).
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Now, the males are the real lookers, sporting a fiery red throat patch that glistens in the sunlight. The females? Well, they're all business, sporting a more subdued green plumage. Hey, gotta prioritize that nectar-collecting, right?
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But Wait, There's More! (Maybe)
Now, things get interesting. While the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the undisputed king (or queen, depending on who you ask), there have been some rumors, whispers, and possibly embellished birdwatching tales of other hummingbird visitors.
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The Accidental Adventurers: There have been a very small number of sightings of Allen's Hummingbirds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, and even Anna's Hummingbirds in New York. These are more common out west, but hey, even hummingbirds get lost sometimes, right?
A Word to the Wise: These sightings are extremely rare, so don't go chasing after rainbows (or hummingbirds) expecting to see one. But hey, if you do spot a flashy visitor that doesn't quite match the Ruby-Throated description, grab your camera (and a good lawyer, just in case it's an alien) and snap a picture! You might just become a birding legend.
How to Attract these Feathered Friends to Your Backyard
So, you want to lure these dazzling little sugar fiends to your neck of the woods (or should we say, flowers)? Here's the scoop:
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- Plant a Hummingbird Buffet: Fill your garden with brightly colored flowers that bloom throughout the summer, like bee balm, trumpet vine, and honeysuckle.
- Set Up a Sweet Spot: Hang a hummingbird feeder filled with a sugar water solution (one part sugar to four parts water). Just remember to clean it regularly to avoid any grumpy hummingbirds (or worse, moldy feeders).
- Be Patient: These little guys are zippy and have short attention spans. It might take a while for them to notice your offerings, but once they do, they'll be back for more!
Hummingbird FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Briefly)
- How to Make Hummingbird Food: As mentioned above, mix one part sugar with four parts water. Boil the water briefly to dissolve the sugar completely, then let it cool before filling your feeder.
- How to Keep Bees Away from My Feeder: Use a feeder with red accents, as bees are less attracted to the color red. You can also try placing the feeder in a shaded area.
- How to Tell Male and Female Hummingbirds Apart: The males have a bright red throat patch, while the females are typically green all over.
- Do Hummingbirds Migrate? Yes! Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds spend their summers in North America and winter in Central America.
- Are Hummingbirds Aggressive? Not really. They might chase each other away from feeders, but they generally pose no threat to humans.
So there you have it, folks! The exciting, and sometimes surprising, world of hummingbirds in New York. With a little planning and some sugary goodness, you might just be able to attract these dazzling little creatures to your backyard. Just remember, watching a hummingbird is a truly magical experience, so grab a comfy chair, sit back, and enjoy the show!
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