Hummingbirds in South Carolina (1 Viewer)

P

Partsman41953

New member

• Jun 18, 2014

• #1

Hello,

My wife and I live just outside the Columbia, SC area and it seems that for the last couple of years the hummingbirds that come to visit are becoming less and less for some reason. We have put forth an extra effort to turn our backyard to a hummingbird friendly environment by planting more plants that they like and have 3 nectar feeders up but this year we have only seen maybe 2 hummingbirds. Anyone know what is going on with them?

Thanks

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 18, 2014

• #2

I'm experiencing the same dilemma here in Myrtle Beach. I put it off to the hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers I had here this late winter and early spring. Very territorial and were continually chasing the hummers around and away from the feeders.

BTW, a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum :t:

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Jun 19, 2014

• #3

Things are normal at the base of the Smokys, Tennessee North Carolina Line. We have Hummers, but they haven't hit the feeders yet. They won't start sucking down sugar water till migration back to Mexico looms.

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Jul 9, 2014

• #4

Maybe I should take that back. I am not noticing hummers in their usual haunts, fields and streambeds. Nor am I seeing the numbers I am used to around the house.

 

T

TFM70

Well-known member

• Jul 9, 2014

• #5

I live in west Georgia and I don't believe we have as many this year as in the past. With seven feeders, the most I have observed at any one time is two.

 

ptickner

Well-known member

• Jul 10, 2014

• #6

My parents are in north Georgia and they have fewer hummers this year as well.

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #7

Any thoughts on why? Our biota hasn't changed, there wasn't much crazy weather during migration. Have they introduced some bad agricultural chemicals between Panama and the Yucatan Pennisula, or has deforestation gone wild down there? Last year wasn't great, but this year is turning into total crap. I got no baby hummers.

 

T

TFM70

Well-known member

• Jul 20, 2014

• #8

My hummer sightings have picked up. I am now seeing 4 or 5 at once .
West Ga.

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Jul 22, 2014

• #9

Things picked up on the 20th of July, the Hummers are trying to fatten up for migration. I still believe numbers are down for the year. This is a good time to focus on the NEGATIVE, if there is a problem with the ecosystem, then we, (birdwatchers), are the first ones to notice it.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jul 22, 2014

• #10

Definitely still down here in Myrtle Beach. Only a couple visiting daily.

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Aug 6, 2014

• #11

I have lots now, but they are mostly juveniles and females, very few adult males. I think I had a banner year for fledgelings. I have noticed juvies stalking out feeders; in the past the only dominant birds have been adult males.

 

T

TFM70

Well-known member

• Aug 7, 2014

• #12

I believe we are back to our usual numbers as they are feeding heavy.