A really idiotic and offensive question re: hummingbirds

[Bear in the garden]

I gave up on a feeder for them they just by pass it and head to the flowers in the gardens, I do have a bird bath just for them and they seem to really enjoy it, its only about a half inch deep and maybe 5 inches wide, I fill it every day after the take a bath, I have 6 hummers in my back yard every year there after the wild flowers I grow, so I'm happy they like my yard

Bear

[rainbowgardener]

Agree with marlingardener, even though I grow tons of hummingbird flowers, which they love, they also spend a lot of time at the feeders. It changes through the season too. Early in the season they spend very little time at the feeders. By late in the season when they are stocking up for the big migration trip, they really appreciate the concentrated energy of the feeders and are there constantly, with just little side trips for dessert at the flowers.

[Kisal]

The hummingbirds that visit my yard seem to visit my feeders and my flowers equally often.

In addition, I have feeders out in the wintertime, because there is at least one species that routinely overwinters in my area.

[Rose White]

Hummer lovers... I plead with you to bear with my ignorance about this question. I would love your input on this if you can get past the stupidity of the question.

For several years I've had the goal of attracting songbirds, butterflies, and hummingbirds to my property. Only in the past year have I had the time and ability to actively pursue attracting them.

Within the last couple of weeks, I've finally started seeing hummingbirds. Yay!

but may I ask... what is the great appeal? I don't know quite what I was expecting, but the ones who hang out in my gardens are small, relatively unexciting-looking, and (to me) seem almost more like insects the way they move and buzz about.

With butterflies, you have the brilliant colors and fluttery movement, plus they are pollinators. With songbirds, you have pretty colors and cheery birdsong, plus their droppings fertilize the soil.

What is it exactly about hummingbirds that I'm supposed to appreciate? I truly mean no offense to all the hummingbird-appreciators, but perhaps if you explain what you find enchanting about them, I will see them in a new light and be able to appreciate them too!

I was also surprised when the hummingbirds started coming to my mountain cabin and wondered why people loved them so much. But I always appreciate them because my aunt and cousin both loved them so much.

One came in through the open patio door and got stuck inside. They make a sad eeeekkk!! noise when they are afraid. I was able to carefully escort it outside using a broom and happily s/he still comes back to visit.

[johnnytomatoseed]

I st of all , your question is not offensive at all. It is honest.
A couple of quick experiences with Hummers. My wife and I were staying at a wilderness area cabin in North central michigan.We walked over by the Hummer feeders to take a few pictures. My wife having very curly hair , was attacked by at least a dozen hummers. of the Ruby throated variety. The flew at her hair and into it.
One day I was doing some kind of gardening thing on the patio , I had the small yellow cap of something in my hand. I looked down and there were a pair of hummers trying to get a quick nectar fix.I am not sure why we love to watch them but we do.Maybe it is a primal link to our long ago past where man was much closer to nature ..... naw , we just like to watch them. john boy