arf@chinet.chi.il.us (Jack Schmidling) (09/11/89)
hummer/e9
"BACKYARD SAFARI"
Halleluja Hummer!
We just "bagged" the first hummingbird of the year. It has
been in and out of the yard several times. It is feeding on
the jewel weed and resting. It poked around on the prairie
dock flowers but we couldn't tell if it was drinking nectar
or eating insects.
Those who have seen our video, "Backyard Safari" will
recognize this as our big chance to get the hummers on tape
and get going on "Backyard Safari, the Sequel". So what am
I doing on this computer? The hummer is resting out of view
and Marilyn is on watch and the camera is ready to roll.
The jewel weed (Impatiens capensis) is the key to attracting
hummers. In the whole Chicago urban area, there are only
one or two hummer sightings each year and my backyard has
been one of them consistantly, since we planted the jewel
weeds.
I harvest seeds every year for people who want to start
their own hummer garden. They are very easy to grow and are
self seeding once they get started.
If anyone would like a few seeds, send me an SASE and I will
mail them to you.
I am always hoping they will fall in love with my nectar
feeder and come around all year but they never do. Just a
few weeks in Fall when the jewel weeds are in bloom and they
totally ignore the bright red feeder.
If anyone would like info on purchasing a copy of "Backyard
Safari", just e-mail your postal address and I will send you
a flyer.
Jack Schmidling arf@chinet.chi.il.us
4501 Moody
Chicago, Il 60630