Hummingbird
Action!
Observations from the Field
(May 10,
2007)
What did eagle-eyed Journey North observers spot this week? Read some highlights and think about the questions that follow!
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Rubythroats: Feeding Frenzy! |
Hewitt, New Jersey: This ruby-throated hummingbird flew right up to our window while we were eating dinner. He was looking at the cherry tomatoes that we had on the windowsill.
Think! What would a hummingbird want with tomatoes?
Bearsville, New York: The first male "scout" arrived 5/1, followed the next day by two more males. I know a group will be arriving in a few days, stay about a week, have a feeding frenzy and leave. In the meantime, many more will arrive and they too will leave after the feeding freenzy. Finally, the summer residents will arrive, they are also the first to leave at the end of the summer. They become very territorial and scold if the feeders aren't filled in the morning, or if I interrupt them and open the door. They don't like visitors on the back porch and will actually buzz their heads.
Think! What can you learn from this report about the observer? What can you learn about hummingbirds? What questions do you have?
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Rufous
Hummingbirds: Keen Observers |
East Wenatchee, Washington: Our first female Rufous hummingbird showed up at the feeders today, and immediately began to chase the Calliope hummer who has been in the area since March 31. The Rufous seems to have won the battle with its tenacious guarding.
Think! Rufous hummers are fierce fighters. How does this help them and their young meet their basic needs?
Burley, Idaho: Have been tracking hummers for a decade and had my first ever May sighting of a Rufous (male). Normally they are only present on their way back to Mexico (late June thru August).
Think! Why do you think someone might track hummingbirds for so many years? What do you think could explain this unusual sighting? (There's no right answer!) Find this observer's dot on the Rufous map. (It's the most southern report in Idaho.)
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