FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Rufous Hummingbird Day 103

[eyesew@xxxxxxxxx (Virginia Curtis)]

Willie should be featured on the "Survivor" television program.  Nothing
stops this little guy.  It is snowing this morning with a gale force NW
wind that has the sugar water feeder rocking like a mechanical bull even
though I tied it tautly to the porch rail.  When I hung the feeder at
5:48 and turned on the heat lamp, I told Virginia there was no hurry as
the wind, snow, and absolute darkness would make him late in coming
today.  Not Willie!  At 5:50 he was propelled into the light by the wind
and tried to get a drink but could not land or hit that moving port.  He
made 7 trips in 7 minutes like this before succeeding as he caught the
feeder between gusts and hung on to the perch and drank deeply.  We
thought we could read a look of puzzlement as he fought that bucking
feeder and wondered what in the world was causing it to be so unfriendly
on this cold morning.  About 5 minutes later he made his 8th trip and
was able to drink again and this time really surprised us by going to
the bare bush and sitting for a minute or so.  It was almost as if he
was defying the wind and proclaiming his victory.  You gotta like the
spunk in those few ounces of feathers, flesh, and bone.  

Tommy & Virginia Curtis
Smithville, TN
DeKalb County

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