Date: 03/30/2023

Number: 1

Columbus, the female Rufous(?) that has been overwintering in our heated Greenhouse has been molting. Nearly all Primary flight feathers have been replaced. Mid February, Columbus stopped insect hunting among greenhouse trusses at 18ft and started hunting between plants at 2ft above ground. At first we thought insects may have taken refuge under plants due to the heat wave. Then we discovered Columbus had lost some of her major Primary Flight feathers and wasn't risking flying between obstacles. So, we reduced watering some of Salvia splendens/Cestrum cultivars that don't like intense sun through glass. We were essentially "growing" aphids, spider mites and white flies as easily available insects for Columbus. Many of our videos showed that Columbus was not interested in fungus gnats or any insect smaller than mosquitos. After plants got infested, we discovered that Columbus was not interested in scale, aphids or mealy bugs; but only in white flies. Columbus wasn't eating spiders either! Rather she was eating the fungus gnats got caught in spider webs!! Columbus already knew the lesson to never kill a golden goose. Columbus resumed flying at 18ft yesterday.Photo shows new feathers.

Carmel Hamlet, NY

Latitude: 41.4 Longitude: -73.7

Observed by: Nima
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