Due to the fact that we have SO MANY hummingbirds up here on the
mountain, it is hard for me NOT to make observations on them, and their
interesting behavior often draws me away from what I was supposed to be
doing. Yesterday I heard a knock on the window and saw a hummer sitting
dazed on the deck. I moved closer and she did not fly away. But she did
something very interesting. She kept raising her head straight back in a
position so far back that it almost looked impossible. Her beak was
straight up in the air. It looked as if she were stretching her neck and
perhaps trying to gain more air in her lungs. She moved to a new
position on the deck, then did what I thought were some final spasms. I
was sad to witness her death, since at this point in time I am
witnessing so many births and young on our farm. But in less than a
minute, she flew off, hopefully fully recovered.
Today, there are 2 juveniles at the feeder. They are obviously
practicing some of their new flying and eating skills. An adult male is
constantly perched on the same branch over them. He does not drive them
away, but if another male approaches, he definitely drives him off.
Sometimes they all go to the same area of bushes close to the feeder.
Although I am not sure that this is biologically correct, my
observations lead me to conclude that he is protecting them as they
learn to feed.
Patti Reum
Bear Mountain Farm
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