Date: 09/14/2012

Number: 9

Hey All,

Just to share the latest, the end of the second "swarm" left this area on Thursday. It was a smaller grouping of females. Most appeared to be juveniles mixed with a few adults, there were three adult females and apparently four to five juveniles. Of the juveniles the two resident young would sit in the Oak and keep watch over the three feeding points while taking turns with a small single feeder I had set up for them separately.

As of this morning one of the residents remains, I am concerned as I feel it would have been better for them to have joined the second "rush". I think the problem is she/he was a late hatchling, physically she/he is about the size the other hatchlings were a month ago. I've increased the sugar content by 1/4 in the hope of adding as much reserves as possible for any other late travelers. I am afraid if these last do not fly soon the 40 deg. F temperatures in the coming 2 weeks at night could threaten their opportunity for survival.

(Though loath to see them go, I would be much happier to see their return next spring. Note: A trick I learned 10yrs ago is if there is a need to temporary shelter a late departure or early arrival, I will set out a bag of dark mulch, water it with warm water under a arbor like a grape arbor and cover the top of the arbor with dark plastic, insuring plenty of perches under the plastic. Generally, allow the plastic to drape 2-3 feet and keep at least 3 feet clearence between the ground and cover for safe entry and exit...)

Graham, NC

Latitude: 36 Longitude: -79.3

Observed by: l. david
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