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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Hummingbird Wars
        
(Message started by: georgej on Aug 11^th, 2006, 2:26pm)

Title: Hummingbird Wars
Post by georgej on Aug 11^th, 2006, 2:26pm

Hi all,

I'm in my backyard right now, watching the late-summer hummingbird wars that are in full swing.

Sorry I don't have a picture. They're too fast for me.

There's a Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) here now, claiming temporary ownership of the feeder--he waits for any of the unfortunate Black-Chinned hummingbirds to show, so he can chase them off. There's lots of electrical screaming, and much drama. Sooner or later, he'll move along. Rufous hummingbirds are great nomads--indeed, they can't be kept in captivity. They die if they are confined.

The Blackchins are swooping around in their frantic mating/aggression dances, dive-bombing in long swoops, creating a low, sad, descending note with their wings at the bottom of each swoop. One just hovered within a couple of feet of my face, looking me over.

The greatest warriors we have are the little Calliope Hummingbirds that you usually see at higher elevations. Life is a constant battle if you're a Calliope Hummingbird--from morning to night, you hear their shrill war cries--"bzeeeeeeeee". It's a war of all against all.

Fascinating to think that these little creatures can live to be twenty. How do they withstand the wear and tear?

I wish my European and Antipodean friends could see this--it's part of our summer. I can't imagine summer without them.

Best,

George

Title: Re: Hummingbird Wars
Post by vig on Aug 11^th, 2006, 2:47pm

sorry, they're too fast for me too!

http://www.geocities.com/paul_vignola/hummers.jpg

soooooooo muCH easier when they're NOT flying!

;;D

Title: Re: Hummingbird Wars
Post by georgej on Aug 11^th, 2006, 2:54pm

Thanks, Vig. Glad somebody's quick enough. By the time I get done fumbling around with the digital camera, they're gone. :)

Regards,

George

Title: Re: Hummingbird Wars
Post by LadyElaine1 on Aug 11^th, 2006, 5:40pm

I love my Hummingbirds. I have a feeder hanging on my bay window so we can watch them. They do fight, but boy can they drink that juice. I think I fill my feeder ever two days. I have three of them.

Title: Re: Hummingbird Wars
Post by pattik on Aug 11^th, 2006, 6:18pm

Hummingbirds are a hoot! We only have the ruby-throated variety around here, but they are the most pugnacious little things I've ever seen. [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Hummingbird Wars
Post by Fredmyyster on Aug 11^th, 2006, 6:26pm

We seem to get them in the spring and fall, one stragled through here last week for a couple of days but he or she wouldnt eat at all. When they are here we sit on the front porch and watch them buzz around and yes, they go through the sweet stuff in a hurry. Cant hardly keep um filled. Most we have ever had at 1 time was bout 6 and it was nice to watch.... Gentle nature.
We are just out of Corpus Christi Texas in a town called Gregory. We love most all animals, cept Scorpians.... EeeWWWW!!!!