The two
main species of Hummingbirds in north Texas are fairly easy to tell apart near
a nectar feeder. The Black-chinned Hummingbird pumps its tail up and down when
hovering; the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
doesn’t. This is true of juveniles too, although the coloration may be different.
A
well-built feeder should not drip, attracting wasps and such. In Texas’ hot
weather, a feeder is more likely to drip if you fill it with cold nectar and
place it outside when the air is very hot.
I
recommend a nectar-mix of 4 parts water and 1 part sugar. Hummingbirds need a
4:1 mix as much for the water as for the sugar. They’ll eat a richer mixture,
but won’t be getting the correct hydration and energy they need to stay
healthy.
More Whooping Cranes The number of endangered Whooping Cranes in Texas is at a
record level. In a recent census of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and
surrounding areas, the total number actually seen was 260. It’s
estimated that at least 4 Cranes are still migrating. Two more are with
Sandhill Cranes near Aransas.
So the total visible flock size is 266. It consists
of an estimated 140 adults, 87 subadults, and 39 juveniles. These are the
endangered cranes at Aransas, and doesn’t
include, of course, ones that weren’t seen, so there are very likely more.
OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a
licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas
for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the
Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of
Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects,
National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.
