Just after the Rain

After a recent rain in our neighborhood, Donna Stephens took another beautiful picture of a hummingbird.

Hummingbirds Return to Newman Park Nesting Spots

Picture Copyrighted by Donna Stephens. Click on image to enlarge. 

Donna Stephens took this picture of a female Black-chinned Hummingbird. She had this to say about the picture: "This is one of the two nests from two years ago. This Hummingbird buzzed around me several times. I couldn't get off a shot because it was right up in my face. Then it settled in the nest and sat there while I took some shots. It actually let me get up close and didn't move while I was shooting. She was just posing so proud. Could it be one of the same birds from last summer?"


Mark Perkins, a birding expert and member of the El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society, said "Hummingbirds do return to the same nest, unless the nest has been destroyed. In that case, they will build a new one close by."

Hummingbirds Are Back!

Photo courtesy of Donna Stephens. Copyright 2012.

Donna Stephens emailed the above picture and wrote: "Saw four hummingbirds today. They flew over to check out last year's nest. I wonder if the one in the picture was the bird born there last season."


Mark Perkins of the El Paso/Transmountain Audubon Society says that Black-chinned Hummingbirds have been appearing all over El Paso in recent weeks at bird feeders.


Time to get those humming bird feeders out. Remember, hummers are attracted to red. The best feeder liquid is easily made at home. One-fourth cup of sugar to one cup of water. Boil the water first. Add the sugar (slowly). Let stand until it reaches room temperature. Change food every other day or so - more frequently when summer temperatures soar.

Mama and Baby Hummingbird

Photo By Donna Lee Stephens

The baby humming bird is up and flying, and mamma is making sure he gets his protein and carbs this early morning.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds have become regular residents of the Newman Park neighborhood from spring until their return to Mexico or elsewhere for the winter. Our flowering desert willows and trumpet vines and feeders welcome them. They love the foliage of our mulberry trees for places to nest.

Here are two photographs by renowned Newmanista photographer, Donna Stephens, of a female black-chinned hummingbird.

For really great instructions and information about feeding hummingbirds, go here.