The World of Hummingbirds .com offers a notification system for members of this website via RSS. When ever there is an update to the site, or the quarterly newsletter is released, you can now be notified via RSS. Click on the link below to add this feed to your standard RSS Reader.
It was to be the trip of a lifetime, and it certainly didn’t fail to deliver. My husband decided to treat us both to a Caribbean cruise for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, and the trip far exceeded my expectations. The most perfect part of the holiday was our visit to Dominica, which is well known for its bird life. As lifelong birdwatchers we were both delighted that a short stay on Dominica was included in the itinerary, particularly as we knew that there are four native hummingbirds exclusive to the Caribbean, which we desperately wanted to see. I was so excited as I packed my bags and my specially purchased book of birdlife in the Caribbean. It seemed like the date would never arrive.
First a bit of background. For those who are unfamiliar with it, Dominica is real jewel in the Caribbean crown, with the most beautiful wildlife and flora imaginable. The landscape ranges from rugged mountain terrains, to lush tropical forest, and slopes down to drier bush and savanna land. It is the variety of terrains that lead to the diversity of birdlife, and the thousands of flowers that bloom year round which attract the hummingbirds. Although the island has this wide range of landscapes, it is quite compact, which makes it easy to navigate and explore. The highest point in the Morne Diablotin mountain, which stands at 4,747 feet, and dominates the island.
Back to the hummingbirds. We booked a trip with a local guide, who specialized in bird watching excursions. He was charming, and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Dominica specializes in nature tours and bird watching is one of the major attractions there. One factor that really enhanced our trip was that he knew places off the beaten track, and brought a sturdy scope with him on the journey, which he quickly set up on a tripod when we encountered birdlife. Although we both had our binoculars, the scope really brought the birds up close for us. Very powerful! Our guide told us that Dominica has a staggering 176 varieties of bird life. We certainly saw a great deal during our excursion, which took in the Syndicate Falls, on the Dublanc River. We saw the stunning Ringed Kingfisher on our intrepid canoe journey up the Indian River. Such a stunning bird. We sat and had a picnic near the Syndicate Falls, listening to the wonderful sound of running water and birdsong. It was like paradise on earth.
It was the afternoon before we spotted our first hummingbird. There are four species on Dominica. The Purple-throated Carib (eulampis jugularis) is a dark coloured hummer, almost appearing to be black. This tiny bird has metallic green wings which flash iridescent in the light. The locals know them as koulibri made or fal woui. We spotted one quite suddenly, and gazed at two of them sipping from a flower for about ten minutes, their little wings just a blur in the air. We could see the purple around its neck and the green of its wings. Perhaps not the most dramatic plumage, but a beauty nonetheless. Seeing hummingbirds feeding in their native habitat is such an honour for those of us who don’t have them in our own country – the UK in my case. I have always had a fascination with these birds, but my experience of them is usually through photos and videos from other people. This was one of my few face to beak encounters!
The following days we spotted the Green-throated Carib (Sericotes holosericeus) and the two other varieties – we were very lucky indeed. I forgot to note the names of the other two, but a list of native breeds tells me they were the Antillean Crested hummer (Orythorhycus cristatus), and the Blue-headed hummer (Cyanophaia bicolor). Look up pictures of these hummingbirds and you will see precisely where they earned their names. Seeing them in their natural habitat, drinking from beautiful Caribbean flowers was such a joy, and certainly made the trip an extraordinary delight. I would highly recommend Dominica if you are a nature and bird lover. The island is bursting with life, and if you can track down all four of the hummingbirds there you will never forget it. I will remember my Dominican encounter forever.
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:54:29 GMT – My Peep Experience By: Nancy B. Davenport of Vienna, Virginia, 2011
On August 9, 2011, I paid a visit to a public garden in Northern Virginia called Green Spring Garden, a favorite of mine. I wandered around admiring the Salvias and Cardinal flowers, then at their peak. Couldn’t help but notice. too. the wonderful Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds that were dipping in and out. As I strolled, nearing the main building, something caught my attention: a slight movement in a low plant (could have been the dry seed heads of a Columbine as I reconstruct it in my mind’s eye). It seemed like a Hummer’s tail moving very slightly, so I climbed into the garden to investigate. I came upon the saddest little scene imaginable: an immature Ruby-Throat impaled by a thorn in its throat. The helpless bird was looking straight up at me with wings outstretched. It was apparently alive, but exhausted. With the best care I could. I extricated it. Saw just a couple little blood spots on its throat. Held it in my flat hand for a bit right there never expecting it to recover but praying it would.
Then, not sure what to do, I went and sat on a bench and cooed to it as it clutched my thumb and stayed still. Its wings were still spread and, fearing wing damage, I carefully put its tiny wings beside its body — hoping I was doing something useful but really having no idea. Gosh, it was strange not to see those little wings moving. In a few minutes it began looking about just a bit, though it still didn’t move more than its head. Still, I began to feel hope. I enjoyed its weightless warmth a bit longer and then began wondering how long it might have been hanging thus. It likely needed nectar quickly if it was going to make it. I carried it into the building and asked if they had any. No, they didn’t but suggested the Hummer might make to my home and gave me a cardboard box. When I put it inside the box it began to buzz about and I had to close the box quickly or we might have had it loose in the building. Hearing this buzzing, I now believed it to have no wing damage, so formed a new plan. I carried the box to a big patch of Cardinal Lobelia outside and opened it. The youngster now decided not to budge, so I eased it toward the opening with my hand. Zip, off it went at last, flying well, right into the tree by the Cardinal Flower patch. My prayers were answered that day! I like to think the little one made it south and will return to Green Spring Garden for a visit with me next year.
Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:14:53 GMT – It’s that time again! Time to vote for your favorite hummingbird photos. Now you can help choose which of the photo submitted over the past year will be displayed int he World of Hummingbirds .com 2012 Calendar. So click on the Vote! Button and let us know which 12 photos you like the best. Voting Closes Nov 15th, so hurry! Tell your friends. Tell your family.