Date: 08/13/2023

Number: 10

Ten or more ruby-throated hummingbirds observed around the feeder this past week, four adult males observed at once for a moment on Monday, August 7th, but one still dominated and defended the feeder. By today, August 13th, the dominant male doesn't seem to have any remaining loose feathers and his incoming head and chest plumage makes him look fuzzy, reminiscent of a cattail, many others began the week looking shaggy and with lots of bare/dark patches. Based upon mating behavior observed early mid-July and brooding time, observations of second clutch fledglings were expected as early as August 11th, but do not believe any have been observed yet.

96ml average nectar consumption per day in a sharp declining trend measured this past week, 190ml high on Aug. 8th, and 43ml low today Aug. 13th.

Pictured earlier in the week - Top: Adult female with cyst on right side neck-shoulder area observed multiple times since first arrivals of the season, and adult male with eyes protruding from bald head. Below: juveniles with dark streaked necks and females with dark-bald patches from molting.

Gulliver, MI

Latitude: 46.1 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: James
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