John:
>Have any of you noticed birds paying attention or attracted to other
>flowering bulbs?
Hummingbirds migrate into this area in April, are around for a
short while, then seem to disappear. They reappear in June, presumably
after raising their families for the year. They are resident in the garden
from June until fall. The real attractants here are Butterfly bush (Buddleia)
and hardy fuchsia, F. magellanica. Fuchsia hybrids draw little attention
in this garden-and I have quite a few.
Alstroemeria psittacina is patrolled regularly--every few minutes-
here, and is growing in a bed without summer water. Dr Salter Hybrids
do not receive attention, perhaps because they flower earlier, when the
hummers are elsewhere?
Mirabilis, growing with the Alstroemeria, are ignored. Montbretia
(Crocosmia hybrids) are visited a little--I think the hummers do not like
being that close to the ground. Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is taller but doesn't
seem to draw the attention I expected.
Kniphofia, red hot pokers, various species and hybrids do not draw as
much attention as expected.
I don't grow many cannas, but in other gardens they seem to
draw regular visits.
One key would seem to be that something is available all season,
and bulbs which bloom and are done, are not as attractive.
Ken Z7 Pacific North West