Date: 07/16/2023

Number: 7

Many RTHB female/juvenile feeder visits, sometimes two at a time with others flying around, long drinks, a bit of chasing and many swooping displays by the dominant male observed. Seeing very little awkward behavior, it's very difficult to discern juveniles from adults and I cannot be sure of how many are fledglings from the first brood. By feeder nectar usage, I estimate 9 to 11 RTHBs, confirmed at least two adult males (probably 3+) and at least four non-adult-males (probably 9+). June 8th, 12th and 13th, the levels of feeder nectar consumption of 70ml+ per day had not been seen since past seasons' pre-migration hyperphagia feeding. Higher consumption days somewhat correlated with cooler temperature days/nights but is mostly due to the appearance of the newly fledged first brood and the adult females preparing for second broods. One evening, four non-males and three adult males were observed zooming around the feeder, without a drink as the dominant male chased.

Feeder consumption measured:
04 July, 8ml
05 July, 8ml
06 July, 8ml
07 July, 9ml
08 July, 73ml
09 July, 31ml
10 July, 32ml
11 July, 62ml
12 July, 80ml
13 July, 133ml
14 July, 65ml
15 July, 42ml (est.)
16 July, 44ml (est.)

On July 13th, a regular parade of non-adult-male RTHBs were observed using the feeder.

Saw a female stay on her perch calmly ignoring as the dominant male hovered directly above her, and then she bent over backward looking up to peck at his bottom as he hovered above trying to peck at her neck before she finally flew off, while others were perching on weeds in the field waiting their turn / looking for chance to raid the feeder whenever he chased another away. So he was defeated by the group for a time.

Pictured: Female often seen perched uniquely with tail stabilized by placing wingtips beneath, resting at feeder unbothered, fresh feeder excitement, and big boy taking refuge during a downpour after a soaking bath.

Gulliver, MI

Latitude: 46.1 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: James
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