Signs of Summer Heat - thirsty birds

[penolta]

The year's second brood of Hooded Orioles - two of the five chicks waiting their turn for a drink at the Hummingbird feeder after their dad finishes his.

[JeannieBug]

Awww! How cute!

[mtngal]

Fascinating picture! Do you keep plain water in the hummingbird feeder? I didn't know that birds other than hummingbirds would be able to drink from those feeders. Cute little ones, one of which looks like he (or she?) is asking a question about the procedure, like a kid in class.

[penolta]

Originally Posted by mtngal

Fascinating picture! Do you keep plain water in the hummingbird feeder? I didn't know that birds other than hummingbirds would be able to drink from those feeders. Cute little ones, one of which looks like he (or she?) is asking a question about the procedure, like a kid in class.

We use a sugar solution - In addition to hummingbirds, the feeder has attracted 3 families of Hooded Orioles (Orioles are nectar feeders and have long tongues), also House Finches, Goldfinches, even an occasional House Sparrow, and numerous wasps (one of which was eaten by one of the Orioles) and bees - the poor hummingbirds can hardly get in there. When we first put it up it lasted a week - now that the Orioles have discovered it, the feeder is so busy that it is completely drained in one day - 4 or 5 of them will mob it at once, squabbling over the perches. I don't know if birds can get diabetic, but they sure are on a sugar high!

[pj1974]

Hi penolta

I like the photo. It's certainly a sign of birds appreciating refreshment.

And the story behind it is great (and I agree with mtngal's comment - it looks like a child asking a teacher!)

Thanks for sharing.

Paul

[penolta]

Thanks Jeannie, Harriet and Paul for the comments. This post seems equally applicable to the mid-August Birds challenge!

[vsch1]

Originally Posted by penolta

Thanks Jeannie, Harriet and Paul for the comments. This post seems equally applicable to the mid-August Birds challenge!

It certainly does and is what gave me the idea! Thank you!

[spedangie]

I have put out both oriole and hummingbird feeders--I always find that for whatever reason the orioles seem to prefer the hummingbird feeder--so now that's all I use and both species use them. I too make my own nectar--much cheaper! Love the picture!

[vsch1]

My orioles prefer grape jelly to the hummingbird feeder.

[Mugmar]

Very cool.