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Hummingbirds Seeing Red.. Red Umbrella that is.

By Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway California Realty DRE #01492138

July 16, 2012 09:24 AM

©Hummingbirds Seeing Red©

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

Since early this spring in the Inland Empire, I have tried everything to attract hummingbirds into my yard. I have this one plant they love, a Mexican Bird of Paradise, but it doesn’t bloom until late June so I figured there must be other ways to attract them.

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

I went to the nursery and bought plants to attract butterflies and bees. Now that I have a lot of blooming flowers it should make a difference. I did seem to get a few more.

Then I bought a hummingbird feeder. I had read somewhere not to put in the red dye but to make it yourself. I had a few but nothing spectacular.

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

Then I bought another feeder and for a while they liked it until all the flowers started blooming in the area and then the traffic slowed down again.

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

THEN, we bought a RED umbrella to replace the tan one and OMG they just flock to my yard.

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

I bought 2 red geraniums and put red bottled nectar in the feeders and they are fighting over the feeders now.

Hummingbirds Attracted to Red

So if you want hummingbirds in your yard, buy yourself a red umbrella and they will come. I think all the other things I did helped, but the red umbrella was the major reason we have hummingbirds buzzing from early morning until dark.

These photographs taken in Loma Linda, CA. by Kristin Hamilon.

I sell real estate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties; Loma Linda, Redlands, Highland, Colton, Yucaipa, San Bernardino, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Twin Peaks, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and all other cities in California. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.

I am waiting for your call! 909-557-6966. Google me at Kristin Hamilton.

My name is Kristin Hamilton and I sell Real Estate. Call me for all your real estate needs. If you want to sell your home, call Kristin @909-557-6966 or email me at kristinhamilton@kw.com.

This post was authored and or picture was taken by Kristin Hamilton. ©2012, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Kristin Hamilton, Keller Williams Realty, Redlands, CA.

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Pam Miller

Realty Associates - Conroe, TX

Broker Associate - Water Crest on Lake Conroe

Kristin - I love it when the Hummingbirds arrive:) They must really love that red umbrella!

Jul 16, 2012 09:33 AM

Rob Lang

At Home Kansas - Shawnee, KS

Local Expert in NE Central Kansas Real Estate Home

How funny, I never would have thought that a red unbrella was the trick!

Jul 16, 2012 10:11 AM

Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate

Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR

Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Amazing hummingbird shots! When one of my sons was about 8 he was obsessed with catching a hummingbird. He did so by dressing in all red, including a red hat and waiting next to the feeder perfectly still. He was successful in about half an hour. He let it go, of course, but he was pretty proud of himself.

Gretchen

Jul 16, 2012 11:11 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Silvia,

It took me a while but I figured it out. I am going to eventually go back to the clear nectar once they get used to the new spot. I moved the feeders closer together so more than one can feed as sometimes they get into fights.

Jul 16, 2012 12:52 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi John,

I think the red geraniums really attract them and I have maybe 4 or 5 plants in the yard plus I bought some red/orange verbena to attract the bees. I read I needed more bees in my yard due to my fruit trees. I love my little buzzer birds. I can hear them coming when I am waiting with the camera.....I am sure you and Debbie enjoy watching them.

Jul 16, 2012 12:56 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Pam,

We had them all winter but most migrate so about a month ago they returned with a big appetite.

Jul 16, 2012 12:59 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Lawrence,

It was done by accident. We decided to change the umbrella and were going to get a green one to replace the taupe one but they were all sold out everywhere so we decided to get the red instead of sticking with taupe or brown. Within a hour, they were buzzing around and dive bombing in between the trees and flying over the umbrella. They must like it or at least the color attracts them to our yard.

Jul 16, 2012 01:02 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Gretchen,

That must have been very exciting for him and you too. I remember William from San Diego had a picture where he got a hummingbird to land in his hand. It was amazing. I bet your son will remember that event forever as not many people can say this happened to them. My Hummers never get too close to me.

Jul 16, 2012 01:06 PM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Kristin,

Fantastic shots. Like the variety and the various poses. :)

Steve

Jul 16, 2012 03:46 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Steve,

Thanks for commenting. I sure like to take pictures of the little guys buzzing around in the yard. They are such a delight to watch. In the early evenings, they like to just sit in the trees and chirp for long periods of time.

Jul 17, 2012 12:40 AM

Than Maynard

Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK

Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

So, they think they giant red umbrella is a giant red flower?

Jul 17, 2012 05:47 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Than,

Not sure but I think it just draws them to the yard and then they see all the flowers and feeders. It does look like a big red flower from the sky. Have a blessed Tuesday.

Jul 17, 2012 07:46 AM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Kristin,

Congratulations. Your post is now featured in "Silent Saturday." :)

Steve

Jul 17, 2012 01:33 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hello Steve,

Thanks Steve for featuring my post in Silent Saturday. Have a great week.

Jul 17, 2012 02:31 PM

Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089

Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI

Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

That's a good tip about the red umbrella. I wish we had hummingbirds in Hawaii, but we have enjoyed seeing a few on our travels lately.

Jul 18, 2012 06:02 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Georgina,

I did not know that you don't have hummingbird in Hawaii. Very interesting but sad as they are so cute. But you do live in Paradise so I am sure there are a lot of beautiful birds there. Thanks for stopping and enjoy your vacation.

Jul 18, 2012 03:13 PM

Gloria Todor

Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA

& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Hi Krisin, That's amazing that the red umbrella had such an impact!! What fun! Your photos are wonderful. I bet it is hard for you to get any work done with all those amazing birds flying around!!

Featured in BIRDS Group!

Gloria

Jul 24, 2012 12:22 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Gloria, Funny thing happened today. Yesterday I moved the feeder closer to the other one mainly because my husband kept bumping his head. I put in fresh nectar and saw normal activity while home. But this morning I had my contractor in my backyard fixing a sprinkler leak. The hummingbirds were buzzing us in threes and dive-bombing under the patio cover and throughout the trees. it was a glorious time for me anyway as the contractor said he had never seen hummers act like this. I just smiled. So tomorrow morning I am going out with my camera and try to get some footage. Thanks for the feature!

Jul 24, 2012 12:54 PM

Debbie Walsh

SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY

Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

Great shots Kristin - I never really see hummingbirds here.

Jul 28, 2012 05:32 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Debra,

Interesting for you to say that as I always thought hummers were everywhere and a few days ago Georgina from Hawaii said they do not have hummingbirds there. I could live without the birds if I could live in Hawaii. Ha Ha.

Jul 28, 2012 01:49 PM