[TN-Bird] Re: Hummingbird back up?
- From: RubyThroat@xxxxxxx
- To: Dthomp2669@xxxxxxx, tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 06:51:28 EDT
In a message dated 9/24/2004 6:35:29 PM Central Daylight Time,
Dthomp2669@xxxxxxx writes:
Hello Birders,
Here in the Charlotte Park area of West Nashville, Davidson County, just a
few blocks east of the Cleece's Ferry Boat Ramp on the Cumberland River,
I've
been having lots of hummingbirds since yesterday (Thursday) at around 12:06
PM.
I had the same phenomena the weekend of September 11-12, 2004. At that
time,
I was called by acquaintances who live east of Donelson, but not quite to
Percy Priest, across town from me who were experiencing the same thing that
weekend. They feed hummers, but are not enthusiastic birders. They
wondered what
was going on and asked me because they knew I was REALLY interested in birds.
At that time, I just kind of thought it was a final big migratory push, but
I
am beginning to wonder if the massive number of hummers that I've had on
those two occasions are due to the birds "backing up" in our area instead of
steadily streaming on down into "Hurricane Highway" on the Gulf. Any ideas
from
some of you birders who are better versed on hummingbird behavior than I am
would be welcome. These little darlings continue to baffle me. I just love
them.
Along with the feeding at the hummingbird feeders, one bird appeared to be
checking out the aphids on a grape leaf earlier. I'm not sure if it
partook,
but it did linger for a while. Another was really cute in that it seemed to
be
playing "hide & seek" with a wasp that had gotten itself inside an empty
clear
plastic thistle feeder. The hummer and the wasp seemed to be doing a little
"flight dance" around and around the feeder with the hummer flying around
outside and the wasp flying as its "dancing partner" inside. It might have
gotten
"nasty" if there hadn't been a plastic wall separating them as both
creatures seemed a little agitated.
It's only been immatures and females this week, but I did have a couple of
brilliant males the weekend of the 11th.
Dee and Fellow TnBirders
Opinion only......
It is unlikely that the hummers are backing up. Again in my opinion, what
you are seeing is widespread this time of year, with yet another major wave of
southbound migrants. I don't know of any evidence that supports the notion
that these tiny birds can anticipate the nasty weather that has occurred in
the coast regions. I personally doubt that they are good weather forecasters
either southbound or when incoming from the tropics in late winter/early
spring. I do believe that they can detect low air pressure and do not fly as
much during such episodes.
Close looks at these hummingbirds in the hand (when banding) reveals that
most are VERY young birds that exhibit measurements and plumage features that
tell us they are recently hatched birds. Such things as deeply incised
maxilla's (upper half of bill), with the "grooving" extending the full length
of
the bill. The white parts of the tail feathers are pristine white and show
almost no wear. The bill of these new birds usually measures much shorter
than
their older counterparts. Some will exhibit a nestling behavior that
involves begging with their heads "thrown back" and the mouths wide open as if
calling to be fed. They are a joy to behold and to band.
Make no mistake, these hurricanes take their toll on transgulf migrants. It
seems likely that many millions of birds are killed in such events as Ivan
The Terrible. That is the bad news. The good news is that most species will
recover from such losses. In her great wisdom, Mother Nature (God if you
wish) has them migrating over a broad time frame to keep the gene pool intact.
Please pardon the rambling of a confirmed hummer and migrant bird freak.
Bless all. Good birding guys.
Bob Sargent
Trussville, Alabama
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