Newbie Hummingbird help (1 Viewer)

[Chas100]

Hello all I’m a Newbie to both the forum and bird watching. I live in NE Ohio. I’ve been trying to get hummingbirds attracted to my feeder. I’ve placed it under a Mulberry tree dangling 2-3 feet from the top branch and 5 feet from the ground. It’s in a very nice area with shade and cover if needed in a hurry. It’s around 15 feet away from my main feeder. I finally noticed one yesterday that came back 3 times that I noticed. On It’s 3rd trip a sparrow flew after it and chased it away.

I definitely don’t want to attract a hummingbird or any bird for that matter that would be in danger by doing so. Is this normal for a sparrow to do this ? I know the Grackles/Starlings will attack them but a sparrow ?

 

[electrathecat]

I've been a hummingbird photographer for over 20 years and a biologist since before that. I've rarely seen any non-predator bird chase after or attack a hummer besides another hummer. I think sparrows can be very territorial, but not sure that they are a real threat to a hummer. Usually, I find that hummers are pretty fearless and feisty. I know it's been a while, so I hope that your feeder situation has worked out!

 

[Chas100]

Thank you for the reply !!! It may have just been a sparrow flying off as it left the main bird feeder appearing to attack it. I ended up being pretty successful in attracting hummingbirds as we had a very warm and dry summer. Unfortunately Fall is almost upon us in NE Ohio so I believe I have saw the last of them until next year.

Thank you again for the reply !!