[wisb] Hindered hummer's annual return to La Crosse County

 

 

In the summer of 2008, visiting one of our feeders was a female hummingbird 
with a large wad of fibrous material dangling from and entangling her right 
foot. The material was almost 2 inches long and about 1/2 inch at its widest 
point near the bottom.  From July into Sept. we saw her with the encumbrance 
that wouldn't fall off.  We worried about her limited ability to perch, and 
about the hindrance the debris would cause as she migrated.  

 

Well, that same little female hummingbird showed up at the same feeder 
yesterday!  I am certain it is the same bird because the debris on her foot is 
of the same shape as last year.  At first glance, it almost looks like there's 
a long abnormal growth dangling from the female's leg, but with close 
observation one can see the debris is tightly wound around her toes.  

 

I am amazed and heartened by this little female hummingbird's ability to deal 
with such a handicap.  She is a strong little bird.  I am going to try to get a 
photo of her since the feeder she prefers is just next to our kitchen window.

 

This bird's return to our yard a year later illustrates that hummingbirds have 
site fidelity.  They will evidently migrate to the same yard over the course of 
several years.  How fascinating!

 

Mary Strasser in Onalaska

La Crosse County 

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  • » [wisb] Hindered hummer's annual return to La Crosse County - Mary Strasser