BACKYARD SECRET – THERE IS A CONNECTION BETWEEN RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS AND DANDELIONS

      We are familiar with the dandelion. In fact, each year homeowners spend millions of dollars to eradicate them in an effort to make their lawns perfect.  However, it is a little-known fact that dandelions provide nesting material for ruby-throated hummingbirds.

       Dandelions produce spherical seed heads.  Many people call them blowballs for the simple reason children and adults alike enjoy blowing on them and watching the seeds blow away in the wind.

       Well, as it turns out ruby-throated hummingbirds take a fancy to these delicate seed heads too. Instead of watching the seeds drift through the spring sky, they use the fine fibers that enable the seeds to drift to points unknown as building material for their tiny, delicate nests.

5 thoughts on “BACKYARD SECRET – THERE IS A CONNECTION BETWEEN RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS AND DANDELIONS

  1. Wow!! I don’t use herbicides but I have dug up the dandelions. Lately I let the flowers bloom for the nectar, then pluck the puffy heads off to limit dandelions. Won’t do that anymore. I am distancing myself from “perfect” suburban lawn.

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