Spotting A Hummingbird’s Nest In The Garden
It’s every gardener’s dream to spot a hummingbird nest tucked somewhere among the branches. With 15 species of Hummingbird’s Nest found throughout the United States, the chances are greater than you think if you know where to look. However, their nests are nearly impossible to spot without knowing what you’re looking for. Start by observing small forked branches, shrubs, or vines a few feet above the ground.
bird nests are latterly tiny in size made by humans, no bigger than golf ball, & perfectly lined with spider silk, down, & soft natural materials. From a distance, the nest basically look like nothing more than small bump on branch. Another sign that you’ve found the nest is if you notice a female hummingbird returning to the same spot again & again, especially after feeding, there is a good chance you’ve found her hidden nest.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a hummingbird nest, admire it from a distance and avoid disturbing the area. During nesting season, which begins in early spring, it’s best not to prune trees, shrubs, or vines where nests might be hidden. These tiny birds may not weigh much, but they have vivid memories. They remember exactly where Hummingbird’s Nest feeders are, which flowers have bloomed, and when to return for their next meal. Therefore, postponing pruning until later in the summer gives the chicks time to grow and leave safely.
What to do next after you find a hummingbird’s nest
Once you’ve spotted a hummingbird nest, the best thing you can do is give it space. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, illegal to touch or disturb active nest, so admire from a distance. Getting too much close can stress the parent of birds, or worse, cause it to abandon the eggs altogether, & no one wants to be in that situation.
Be a helpful neighbour instead. Keep your feeders full and clean with a sugar water mixture, and to protect the Hummingbird’s Nest feeder from ants, use a moat or ant barrier. The best time of year to set up a hummingbird feeder is just before spring, so the birds have easy access to a food source while they settle in. A nearby feeder gives the mother a quick energy boost while she cares for her chicks. Fresh water is also helpful, whether it’s a shallow feeder, a mister, or a small fountain.
If you want to take photos, use a zoom lens or set up a camera from a distance. No flash, no searching, and don’t hover for too long. The less you interrupt them, the better. If you absolutely must get the perfect shot, make sure you’re well away from their space and let the camera sneak in for you. After all, nothing ruins a family photo like stressing the family out.
