Date: 05/21/2023

Number: 3

The seven days beginning 15th May, the dominant male visibly appeared to be bulking up and feeder nectar consumption steadily increased to 33ml per day average from the 18th to 21st May.

At least three, probably five or more RTHBs using the feeder as of today, 21st May. The male trying to dominate the territory, is now often perching on the line over the feeder, was previously mostly using nearby maples and spruces. Pictured, another female mid-afternoon, and there was a short time in the evening that the dominant male allowed another male, then another female drink at the feeder while he remained perched above. Natural food is abundant with many trees now flowering along with others, trillium have bloomed on the forest floor the past few days, along with dandelions and many others, many insects of all kinds.

The first six days after first of the season RTHB was observed on 9th May, the feeder was used sparingly with less than 20ml per day average nectar consumption, and the three individuals observed appeared and behaved much like the last two male fledglings and one female fledgling last to depart at the end of last season, however unlikey they are to survive their first year.

No females observed between 12th and 16th May.

Gulliver, MI

Latitude: 46.1 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: James
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