Date: 07/30/2023

Number: 15

Feeder nectar consumption continued upward for the third week straight. It's the highest recorded of the past four seasons, never before needed to make a full feeder for a three-day supply and now need to fill it every two days. Accounted for at least fifteen ruby-throated hummingbirds using the feeder, probably seventeen or more based upon consumption, at least three adult males. They definitely had a very successful round of first clutches. Perhaps the three-week drought late-May into early-June and the many raptors took out many squirrels and other egg predators; also with good rain since then, natural hummingbird food has been very abundant. Violence gradually decreased and the dominant male was generally more permissive of feeder use by others. Molt in full effect since last weekend, loose feathers everywhere this week, and many bare/dark patches and clean-cut looking birds today on Sunday.

Nectar consumption per day: 141ml low, 356ml high, 228ml average (astronomical for here)

Pictured is five birds at a four-port feeder, the dominant male cowboy has grabbed one of the inexperienced by the neck and ready to ride it to the ground.

Gulliver, MI

Latitude: 46.1 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: James
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.