Facebook
X (Twitter)
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
LinkedInPosts Tagged: hummingbird feeder
Watch Out!
The hummingbirds seemed apprehensive. They'd fly to the feeder, stop in mid-air, and turn back. What was keeping them from the feeder? A closer look revealed what the casual observer wouldn't notice: a praying mantis. Was the mantis a predator or the prey? Hummingbirds eat insects, and...
A praying mantis is sprawled out on a hummingbird feeder, as a hummer takes a drink. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The praying mantis moves to another spot. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Silhouette of the praying mantis lying in wait. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Will Hummingbird Syrup Harm the Bees?
It's no secret that honey bees like the sugar/water mixture in hummingbird feeders. If there's no bee guard on the feeder or if the feeder isn't bee-proofed, bees will sip the mixture. They also will lick the spills. A sudden gust that sways or upends the feeder is "bee happy time." However,...
A honey bee sipping syrup from a hummingbird feeder. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A hummingbird pauses in between sips. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Red Alert!
Our yard is filled with such bee friendly plants as salvia, lavender, catmint and rock purslane. Lately, however, the honey bees have taken a liking to the sugar-water mixture from our hummingbird feeder. Manufacturers' bee guards are meant to deter them but frankly, we rather like attracting...
Honey bees gather around a hummingbird feeder. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of honey bee sipping a sugar-water mixture. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Late afternoon sun backlights a honey bee. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
