Date: 08/20/2023

Number: 6

At least six ruby-throated hummingbirds observed around the feeder this past week, at least two adult males and at least four non-adult-males, little consumption while dominant male defended and prevented others from feeder use most of the time. Natural food abundant, such as insects, goldenrod, queen Anne's lace, and liatris. By Wednsday, August 16th, the dominant male's new plumage began to appear near fully grown except for its primary wing feathers. Today and yesterday observed a very nice looking diminutive non-adult-male looking inquisitive and inspecting the feeder and surrounding area as if unfamiliar, so suspect the second clutch is fledging now, as was expected between August 11th and 27th. Low feeder consumption and dominant male's behavior and appearance doesn't indicate pre-migration hyperphagia yet, while the previous two seasons August 25th was the last day an adult male was observed.

28ml average feeder nectar consumption per day measured this past week as the decline leveled off, 35ml high on Aug. 16th, and 20ml low Aug. 17th. No feeder consumption on Monday, August 14th, as feeder was taken down for 24 hours beginning late Sunday due to small wasps attempting to get to the nectar and harassing the hummers.

Pictured is a particularly tenacious and strong first clutch juvenile which was seen testing and challenging the dominant adult male many times.

Gulliver, MI

Latitude: 46.1 Longitude: -86.1

Observed by: James
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