Date: 09/23/2023

Number: 8

Our Ruby numbers continue to decrease here. We're now down to 6-8. I'm fairly certain that we have all juveniles at this point. It's been nearly 2 weeks since our adult males left and the adult females tend to head out after them, along with the juveniles from first nests. Those that we're seeing now are most likely juveniles from the 2nd nests. Our adult females raise 2 clutches here, back to back.

These little ones still have lots of flowers to nectar from, as well as 10 feeders scattered throughout the property. I've been observing them chase, play, and communicate with one another. They are extremely curious about me and approach me often. Several will perch within a few feet of me and just hang out. They are able to rest more now that they are so few in number. They are not having to fight to get to a feeder and all of them are able to enjoy the flowers. Just a week or so ago, that wasn't the case. These guys were at the low end of the totem pole in regards to dominance, so it's nice to see them be able to check out the flowers and enjoy hummingbird "school".

We got some wind and a nice slow, soaking rain from Ophelia, but nothing dramatic, which we're thankful for. Temps are heading downward. We're solidly in the 70s during the day at this point, with night time temps in the 50s. Last year, our last juvenile headed out on October 15th, which was a full week later than the previous year. We'll see what this year entails. It will be also interesting to see if our male Rufous returns this year for the winter. He arrived on October 22nd last year.

God speed to all of our little jewels of the sky! I already miss those who have left and I pray they all return next year. ❤️

Kernersville, NC

Latitude: 36.1 Longitude: -80.1

Observed by: Sophie
Contact Observer

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