Date: 09/03/2009

Number: 1

This morning there were two Ruby Throated hummingbirds at the Feeder. I can tell that these appear to be siblings of this seasons mating pair as both appear to be immature with the male having a faint red marking and the female actually appearing rather slimmer (though taller) then the parent. Both look strong and should soon be ready to move south.

I believe these two to be resident as their familiarity with the roosting/and watch points are similar to the parents. (I can still remember when they first fed this past summer the female was so small at first I mistook her for a very large horsefly or bee.) I believe that they are going to need to get up to flying weight and I have increased the sugar saturation of the feeding "nectar".

I am concerned that they get moving south soon as it appears that the weather later this month will be both drier and cooler then normal. With the Gulf of Mexico clear and little issue of a Gulf Tropical Storm now would be the best time to take wing. Current feed rate is up to about 1 oz every 24 hours.

Cheers!
Dave Cooke

Graham, NC

Latitude: 36 Longitude: -79.3

Observed by: l. david
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.