Sources indicate that there are around 16 different species of hummingbirds that have been observed in Massachusetts at one time or another. The most common species is the ruby-throated hummingbird. The black-chinned hummingbird and the calliope hummingbird are occasionally seen here in the Bay State but are not common. There are actually 16 different species of hummingbirds found in the U.S., but most are rarely seen here. These species are what is known as “vagrant” hummingbirds, which means they only show up sporadically or for very short periods of time.
The hummingbird we commonly see is the Ruby-throated hummingbird. It is a small, brightly colored species that is native to North America. In Massachusetts, they breed in various locations across the state, particularly near wetland areas and forested habitats.
These birds are known for their incredibly fast flight and their unique feeding habits, feeding on both nectar and small insects like flies, mosquitoes and gnats. In terms of appearance, hummingbirds have bright green feathers on their back with iridescent highlights, while the underside of the hummingbird’s body is mostly white. Mature males display the red color above the breast and have deep green on their backs.
This writer has admitted to a fascination toward these tiny birds and really enjoys them. At one time, we had a bedroom window that had a flower box with red blossoms. Each morning, the buzzing of hummingbird wings would awaken me as they visited the blossoms to get the nectar. Over the years, my fixation has led to plantings that hummingbirds prefer. Some plants that attract hummers include hosta, lantana, hibiscus, morning glory, petunias, salvia, foxglove, bleeding heart, and fuchsia. Common plantings like rhododendron and lilies also are hummingbird magnets.
For many people, hummingbird feeders are the way to attract the little birds. There are many feeders available, but they come with serious responsibility for those who put them up. First, keep them filled and clean! You need to use the tried-and-true formula of four parts water to one part sugar. DO NOT add red dye. The colored hummingbird nectar can actually be harmful as the dye is not good for the birds. Insects also like sugar and they frequently invade the feeders and often drown, potentially contaminating the nectar. You can make up the solution in large quantities and add when needed or make it up when needed. It is important that you keep them filled.
It is my observation that the number of hummingbirds visiting my feeders has risen in the past week or so. Perhaps this is due to hatchlings from the season maturing but traffic is non-stop all day with multiple birds often buzzing each other and driving one and other off. I find myself sitting close to one feeder and watching the interactions.
It is almost time to focus my attention on slightly larger birds as the time to train the bird dogs is here. Physical conditioning and bird work are in order. The hot weather has given me an excuse, but the work needs to begin. Short regular runs are the first step and early and late day runs are the plan with these high temps. Laney’s retrieving is also in need of attention as she is not all “enthused” about working with training dummies. This is puzzling as she was the most serious retriever ever as a puppy. She would carry a dummy a hundred yards while following me around and eagerly took to retrieving birds from the start.
My library includes over a half dozen of the most notable bird dog training books and each one contains clear instructions on starting your bird dog as a retriever. Re-training is not addressed. At this point, we are doing a few retrieves a couple times a day with positive re-enforcement. Unless something magical happens, there will be a specific appointment made with Pat Perry at Hedgerow Hunt Club. He is a true “dog whisperer” and has dealt with every issue a bird dog owner could come up against. Some bird work will also be part of our pre-season work and we will get Laney to continue her growth as a bird dog. Her issues, though slight, are clearly “operator error” and yours truly will listen carefully to the master as we work together to get ready for the best bird season ever!
That prep also needs to include shooting. Ammunition continues to be in short supply so you should take steps to get an inventory now. You should be a member of the excellent local clubs as both the Petersham Gun Club and Orange Gun Club have clay shooting. Check out their web pages. A forgotten component, particularly for those of us with lots of candles on the birthday cake, is physical conditioning. Get out and walk, ride a bike, paddle or engage in activities like tennis and pickleball or become a member of the YMCA, now with facilities in both Athol and Orange, to get yourself in shape. If you are self-motivated, you can discipline yourself to start a regimen of daily exercise and 30 minutes a day of walking beats watching bad TV shows!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, Counselor and Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.