I FOUND A HUMMINGBIRD
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HUMMINGBIRD FACTS
Hummingbirds are rehabilitated under The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center's State and Federal Fish and Wildlife Permits.  The Center is located in Huntington Beach, CA  and is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of native wildlife.   It is illegal to possess or rehabilitate a hummingbird without state and federal permits.
HUMMINGBIRD FACTS
Picture  Ted Schaeffer
They are territorial little birds.  They take their food source and territory seriously and will attempt to scare off others who try to intrude.  It is not uncommon to find a bird on the ground, due to being attacked by another hummingbird.

FAQs

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Only the mother makes the nest, feeds and protects the young.  

If you must touch a baby hummingbird to re-nest it, the mother will not reject it.  That's an old wife's tale.

They are not flock birds, but very territorial and independent.  They may migrate at the same time, but they are not doing it together.

They will injure each other fighting over territory, food, and females.  They are not playing, they are fighting.

Once they fledge and leave the nest, they do not live in a nest again.  Adults perch on branches.  They fly 20% of their lives and perch 80%.  Perching conserves energy.




​They eat small flying insects (gnats, fruitflies, mosquitoes) and nectar from flowers.  They enjoy the sugar water we provide them, which simulates the sugar from the flowers.  Rehabbers have the correct diet for injured and orphaned hummingbirds.  The public should not rehabilitate or raise hummingbirds.  Please do not try, it generally ends badly for the bird.





If you are going to have a feeder, please be diligent about keeping it clean and filled.  If you are not, then just plant more nectar producing flowers.

Do not use store bought nectar, the red dye and preservatives are not good for them.  Make your own.  Its easy and cheap.  (Recipe below)

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Not all hummingbirds migrate.  Anna's often stay year round, even in the snow.  Some stay because they are too old or weak to migrate, or they have found a good spot and don't want to leave.  (I have about 10 of those in my yard now.  
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Mother hummingbirds will often build nests very close to humans. They like to build on twinkle lights, wind chimes, and flimsy branches. I believe they think that humans are less threatening than crows, squirrels, and cats. The flimsy branches they choose will not support a larger bird or mammal, therefore the babies are safer.

​Unfortunately, momma doesn't take into account what is below her nest. When the littles fledge, they fly a short distance, then go to the ground, or low branches. But only if there are low branches. If mom builds the nest over a pool or dog run, the fledglings are in peril. They fledge at about 21 days of age, so hummer lovers have been known to keep their pools covered, and their dogs in another part of the yard, just for a few days, to be sure the babies get a chance to develop their muscles to sustain flight.

Buying some large bushes in pots and putting them around the yard, near the nest, can also help the fledglings hide while they practice flying from bush to bush.

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Nestlings in nest just outside front door
Cats catch and kill or maim hummingbirds. 
"They are too fast for my cat to catch".  INCORRECT! 
​Hummingbirds fly low to the ground to eat from flowers and to catch bugs.  They are concentrating on the food and don't notice kitty stalking them.  Cats will also sit on the fence near a feeder, then jump and catch the hummingbird who is perched on the feeder.   Sometimes a hummingbird is stunned from hitting a window or from being attacked by another bird and lands on the ground while it recovers a moment.  A very easy target for kitty.


Additionally, all young birds who have recently fledged, end up on the ground and in low branches for up to two weeks.  They cry when they are hungry and the mother comes down to feed them.  That makes both of them easy prey for the cat. PLEASE KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS!!  IF YOU MUST HAVE IT OUTSIDE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, REMOVE YOUR FEEDERS.  SEEING A FEEDER TELLS THE BIRDS THEY ARE WELCOME, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE BEING ATTRACTED TO A VERY UNSAFE AREA.  And don't get me started on Trap, neuter, return.  An awful program for all wildlife and for the poor cats. 
abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/trap-neuter-release/
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I like cats and no pet should be left outside in the cold to fend for itself.  They are domestic pets (non-native), with strong kill instincts.  We should protect them and protect our wildlife.  
If you don't believe me, I'll be happy to post pictures of the hundreds of hummingbirds that I have had to euthanize due to mortal injuries inflicted by cats.  Here is just one.....
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This once beautiful active adult was kept by the finders for 2 days after their indoor/outdoor cat caught it and brought it to them.  They kept it warm and fed it sugar water.  It had multiple fractures and was missing an eye.  I humanely euthanized it.  

Hummingbirds are protected by State and Federal laws.  Unless you have permits, it is illegal to possess a hummingbird for more than 48 hours (this is while you find a rehabber) and it is definitely illegal to keep them  to try to rehabilitate them and release them, or to make them pets.  It is punishable by steep fines. (Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

Hummingbirds are accepted every day of the year 8am-5pm, at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center.  If you have an orphaned or injured hummingbird , please email:   orangecountyhummers@gmail.com   Include your phone number and city.  Not every hummingbird needs to be rescued, so please reach out for advice and pre-arrival instructions prior to bringing in a bird.  This advice and instruction often makes the difference between life and death for these little jewels of nature.
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
21900 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Bch, CA 92646
​714 374 5587


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  • Home
  • Troubleshooting
  • Age identification and care
    • Hatchlings
    • Nestlings
    • Fledglings
    • Adults
  • Common problems
  • FAQs
  • Contact
    • Links/Other Rehabbers
    • Donate/volunteer
  • Blog