[TN-Bird] Re: Rufous Hummingbird Day 84

Hummingbirders,

With no disrespect to anyone, I'm still not convinced that a 3 to 1 winter 
mix doesn't benefit these wintering hummers in some ways. What I have read, 
a good number of a hummingbird's favorite flowers are at a 3 to 1 or greater 
amount sugar concentrations (Demcheck). There is also evidence that given a 
choice,  Rufous Hummingbirds prefer high sugar concentrations (C. R. Blem) 
anyway.

In October of 2003, a female Rufous (banded by Chris Sloan) showed up at our 
feeder and spent the next six months (until April) with us. I had already 
researched  the feed mix ratio information available and I decided to feed a 
3 to 1 mix when winter cold set in. I observed this hummer molt every tail 
and wing feather on its body (photos) and also at least some of its gorget. 
I took over a hundred photos of this bird and learned much from its stay 
with us. It would sometimes sat over an hour dozing (photos) in a bush less 
than four feet from the feeder. I also noticed this hummer  hawking insects 
on the south side of our home on all but the coldest days. I believe feeding 
a 3 to 1 winter mix benefited this hummer allowing it to use its energy to 
catch insects and less time and stress spent coming to the feeder. I believe 
I can document this.

Thanks,

Jackie B. Elmore
Bowing Green, KY

Put out an even larger hummingbird garden this year!


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