The Lucky Hummingbird (A True Story!)

One day when I was in college I came home and found my very crafty black cat (named "lucky") sitting outside our front door with a mouth full of something. He was eager to get inside the house, but knowing his tendencies to bring me all sorts of "gifts" (dead rodents, a favorite) I wasn't about to let him in without checking to see what he was hiding from me.

I picked him up and could see two things sticking out from each side of an otherwise closed and very stuffed mouth. "Open up" I said, and literally pried his mouth open with my fingers to see what he was hiding (he struggled quite a bit during this process).

Low and behold, as I opened his mouth, a hummingbird flew out! Alive, and apparently unharmed.

Lucky, my cat, was not happy. I decided to purchase him one of the best cat toys I could find to make up for the loss, but the memory of that lucky hummingbird has stayed with me every since!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating and many people know very little about these beautiful flying creatures that visit their yards yards. Here are some answers and tips about how to deal with these amazing bird:

Q: What Do Hummingbirds Eat?

Hummingbirds usually feed off flower nectar and sugar water that is left out for them in bird feeders. They also feed off of small insects like ants, slugs and spiders. If you really want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, make sure your bird feeder is always filled with nectar and sugar water.

Q: What Should My Hummingbird Feeder or House Look Like?

It is a well-known fact that hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. That being said, if the feeder you already have isn’t red get out your paint brush or stick a large red bow on it to get their attention. The best hummingbird feeders have perches for the birds to stand on while they feed. The holes in hummingbird feeders are just big enough for the little guys to fit their heads in, but they’re too small for squirrels and other larger animals so they can’t steal the food.

Refrain from painting your hummingbird feeder or house yellow because bees and wasps are attracted to these colors and also enjoy the taste of sweet nectar. You’ll want to keep insects as far away from your hummingbird feeders and houses as possible.

Q: What Materials Should Hummingbird Houses or Feeders be made of?

Hummingbird feeders and houses are usually made of acrylic or glass. They are also available in wood and plastic; however these do not work as effectively and may cause harm to the birds (slivers and cuts). Hummingbird houses and feeders come in a variety of sizes and shapes and usually contain numerous feeding areas throughout the feeder.

Q: Where Should I my Hummingbird Feeder?

Ideally, a hummingbird feeder should be hung near a garden with bright flowers and plants. A flowery location is most likely to attract the attention of hummingbirds. For your viewing pleasure, you may want to hang your feeder in a place that can be easily seen from your home. For example a hummingbird feeder hung in front of a window can be admired all day.

Q: How Much Do Hummingbird Feeders Cost?

The styles and designs differ so much that it’s difficult to determine a specific price. Hummingbird feeders and houses can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 – depending on the style, design and features.