Date: 08/30/2011

Number: 7

The hummingbirds are in trouble--well, sort off. Bald-faced hornets are trying to take over the feeders. While the hummers were actively fighting honey bees and yellow-jackets earlier in the season, they are more circumspect with the hornets, who often leave the feeders to charge the hummingbirds in mid-air. I try to help the birds by periodically hosing the hornets off the feeders, which works for a short time only, and do any refills at dawn when the temperature is cool enough to slow down the insects. We had a bit of a weather change today, with cooler temperatures, and the hornets are much less aggressive. While the Anna's are bravely defending their territory, only a few rufous (both juvenal males and females) remain.

Bellingham, WA

Latitude: 48.7 Longitude: -122.5

Observed by: John
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