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10 May Re: Need help on mystery hummer id [Randy Richardson ] 10 May Re: Need help on mystery hummer id [Nancy L Newfield ] 9 May Re: Need help on mystery hummer id [Lanny Chambers ] 9 May Need help on mystery hummer id [Randy Richardson ] 8 May visit to the Brown Ranch/Hummer House [HW ] 7 May Re: wildlife habitat [HW ] 7 May wildlife habitat....was...Re: [HUMNET-L] Howard's Problem Neighbor [jwnix ] 7 May Re: FOS adult Male Ruby-throated ["Allen T. Chartier" ] 7 May Re: Howard's Problem Neighbor [HW ] 7 May Re: FOS Ruby-throated [Rachel Powless ] 7 May Howard's Problem Neighbor [Miriam Davey ] 7 May Re: FOS adult Male Ruby-throated [Jim Cummings ] 7 May FOS adult Male Ruby-throated [Penny Durnin ] 7 May Re: [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates [Scott Knaus ] 6 May Re: Hummingbird late dates ["James V. Remsen" ] 6 May my mowing neighbor -- part II [HW ] 6 May Re: Nancy's sugar readings [Nancy L Newfield ] 6 May Nancy's sugar readings [Miriam Davey ] 5 May Re: more nesting material collected [HW ] 5 May Re: more nesting material collected [Penny Durnin ] 5 May Re: more nesting material collected [Karen Howells ] 5 May Re: [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates [Beth and Sammy Maniscalco ] 5 May Nectar Quest [Nancy L Newfield ] 3 May [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates [Nancy L Newfield ] 3 May garden surprise and first hummer ["Michael J. Rock" ] 3 May Re: [LABIRD-L] BR birds after rainstorm, and VOTE ["Linda M. Keefer" ] 2 May more nesting material collected [HW ] 2 May Re: Loss of a Very Special Person [Jayne Amico ] 2 May Loss of a Very Special Person [Patty Koetting ] 30 Apr Blackchinned nest pictures [HW ] 29 Apr Re: found a hummer nest [Cathie Hutcheson ] 29 Apr found a hummer nest [HW ] 29 Apr Buff-belly [Jeanne Plaisance ] 28 Apr Ornitologia Neotropical now available online ["Ingold, James" ] 28 Apr Backyard this morning, New Orleans LO date for buff-bellied #2 [Charlotte Seidenberg ] 28 Apr Re: wintering hummers [Tom & Eloise Sylvest ] 28 Apr Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? [Tom & Eloise Sylvest ] 27 Apr Oriole Friday, Grosbeak Saturday, HUMMINGBIRD Sunday! [Melissa Pappas ] 27 Apr wintering hummers [Sandra Lewis ] 27 Apr Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? ["Linda M. Keefer" ] 24 Apr R/T Hummer [Dottie ] 22 Apr Fwd: Rufous X Anna's hybrid pictures [Mike Patterson ] 21 Apr Re: Re wireless bird cams [Jim Cummings ] 21 Apr Re: Banding [Jessica Hough ] 21 Apr Re: Banding [Bob Sargent ] 21 Apr Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? [Beth and Sammy Maniscalco ] 21 Apr Re: Banding [Penny Durnin ] 21 Apr Re: Banding [Bob Sargent ] 21 Apr Banding [Dot ] 21 Apr Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? [Tom & Eloise ] 21 Apr Re: Re wireless bird cams [Patty Koetting ] 21 Apr Re wireless bird cams [Miriam Davey ] Subject: Re: Need help on mystery hummer id From: Randy Richardson <nature_nut AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:33:17 -0500 Nancy, Lanny, Lanny wrote: It's an adult male Ruby-throated, and it looks like it's sporting a lot of pinfeathers (replacement feathers that haven't unfurled from their sheaths yet). I don't know why it's replacing so many feathers now; seems a bit early. Perhaps it had lost them due to disease or mites? Nancy wrote: Yes, these are unfurled pinfeathers that give the crown and gorget the whitish appearance. This is the last stage of the molt of the contour [body] feathers. I can't know the reason for this individual's delayed development. It appears to be an adult. Thanks for all the info, and id! I thought it looked like a Ruby Throated, but was thrown off by the white feathers. Never encountered, or noticed one before that was going through molting stages. I'll have to keep an eye out for this in the future. Thanks for the explanations, and the link to the pictures of other hummers going through this! Nancy wrote: Fred Bassett and I have discussed these birds at length. We don't know if these individuals are actually retarded in their development into adult plumage or if they are products of late nests that simply are a few months younger than other members of their species that hatched early in the season. So one possibility for this happening is perhaps being younger in a late nest? The reason I ask that, is because the first hummer nest I actually found in an red oak tree that covered my barn. The 2 nestlings actually left the nest in the 3rd week of August back in the early 90's. The few others I've found here have been in May and June. Is late nesting a fairly common occurance, and that it was a 2nd nesting of the season by the female? Thanks again for all the info, I'm learning so much from the list! :) Randy Richardson State Line, MS off the Gulf CoastSubject: Re: Need help on mystery hummer id From: Nancy L Newfield <nancy AT CASACOLIBRI.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 00:40:42 -0500 Randy, Lanny, At 10:23 PM 5/9/2008, Lanny Chambers wrote: >On May 9, 2008, at 10:12 PM, Randy Richardson wrote: > >>But looking at the photos and video she sent me, it doesn't appear >>to be pollen to me. Or pollen from Turks Cap. But I may be >>mistaken. Could it perhaps be actual feathers? > >It's an adult male Ruby-throated, and it looks like it's sporting a >lot of pinfeathers (replacement feathers that haven't unfurled from >their sheaths yet). I don't know why it's replacing so many feathers >now; seems a bit early. Perhaps it had lost them due to disease or >mites? Yes, these are unfurled pinfeathers that give the crown and gorget the whitish appearance. This is the last stage of the molt of the contour [body] feathers. I can't know the reason for this individual's delayed development. It appears to be an adult. Last week, I had a similar bird that was a young from last year with still a few white throat feathers and a lot fewer red feathers. Additionally, Joan Garvey sent me a couple of images of a similar hummer. In April of last year, I posted some images of hummers that were delayed in their molt. See: http://www.pbase.com/pattonpix/nancy. The first 2 birds were young from the previous season while the third was an adult bird that had been a late bloomer its first year. Fred Bassett and I have discussed these birds at length. We don't know if these individuals are actually retarded in their development into adult plumage or if they are products of late nests that simply are a few months younger than other members of their species that hatched early in the season. The one I caught last week was perfectly healthy and he carried a good bit of migratory fat. NLN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nancy L Newfield Casa Colibrí Metairie, Louisiana USA nancy AT casacolibri.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Subject: Re: Need help on mystery hummer id From: Lanny Chambers <lannychambers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 22:23:42 -0500 On May 9, 2008, at 10:12 PM, Randy Richardson wrote: > But looking at the photos and video she sent me, it doesn't appear > to be pollen to me. Or pollen from Turks Cap. But I may be > mistaken. Could it perhaps be actual feathers? It's an adult male Ruby-throated, and it looks like it's sporting a lot of pinfeathers (replacement feathers that haven't unfurled from their sheaths yet). I don't know why it's replacing so many feathers now; seems a bit early. Perhaps it had lost them due to disease or mites? Lanny Chambers St. Louis, MO lanny AT hummingbirds.netSubject: Need help on mystery hummer id From: Randy Richardson <nature_nut AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 22:12:52 -0500 Hi everyone, A friend of mine in Orange Grove, TX (South TX) was telling me about a mysterious hummer that had what appeared to be white on its head that had been in her yard. I thought at first it most likely was pollen, as my hummers here have when the Turks Cap flowers are blooming will be covered in pollen. But looking at the photos and video she sent me, it doesn't appear to be pollen to me. Or pollen from Turks Cap. But I may be mistaken. Could it perhaps be actual feathers? She saw it for four straight days from May 1st through May 4th when it disappeared. Below is her account and physical descriptions of the hummer. Date: First sighted May 1, 2008 perched on a small twig of the huschi tree , 3 feet above a nectar feeder . In Orange grove, Texas Description: Colored predominantly metallic green with pale to grey breast. Throat patch is red to maroon with a secondary throat patch inside of it, consisting of white streaks under the chin and just above the bill. The undertail coverts show no white and the tail is darkly colored and slightly forked. Wingtips have slight up- curve. The bill is black, short, and stout with a slight curve. Behavior: No unusual flight pattern Although there are many other varieties of nectar resources through out the habitat, it was partial to turks caps and one particular nectar feeder. Documentation and media: It was observed on May 1, 2008, and last seen on May 4, 2008. Report included with photos and video - recorded May 2, 2008. Here are links to the photos and the video http://i186.photobucket.com/albumsx96/dj88nut/Untitled_0011_0001.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/Untitled_0011_0007.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/Untitled_0011_0010.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/dinghum.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/hmst2.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/humn1.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x96/dj88nut/hunj.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ytkpVZVLD0 Any help would be appreciated in the id of this hummer. Thanks Randy Richardson State Line, MSSubject: visit to the Brown Ranch/Hummer House From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:19:18 -0500 Humnet, I spent several hours Monday of this week at the Brown Ranch just outside Christoval, Texas. For years I had heard of the significant numbers Blackchinned hummingbirds that can be observed there. Several weeks ago Bob Sargent and I exchanged emails about the ranch and he told me he and others would be banding hummers and passerines on May 5th. Since I had never observed banders in action or been to the Brown's place I figured it was a good time to pay a visit. Although the drive time was a little over 3 hours each way, some of the scenery along the way was worth the trip as well. But the last 20 miles of the drive I passed through mostly mesquite scrub and I really wondered what the property was going to look like. But the main house and guest cottages are arranged under large pecan trees and live oaks -- really nice setting. Bob and Martha Sargent, Fred Bassett, and Mark (whose last name escapes me) set up their banding table in front of a small cottage next to the gift shop/observation room. Since I arrived late in the morning the hummer action had begun to die down. Still, at the several feeders in front of one of the cottages were quite a few hummers in my book. But apparently those numbers pale in comparison to peak numbers at other times. As hummer numbers waned at the feeders in the traps, passerine banding became the focus. There was a water feature in front of the observation room that attracted hummers and passerines. Bird seed cake cages filled with cotton batting were stuck in the ground at various places. Periodically female Blackchinned hummers flew up and grabbed cotton fibers for their nests in the surrounding trees. A short distance away from the banding area small orange flags were placed directly under tree limbs where nests could be viewed. I walked and looked at 8 nests in less than a half an acre. I had an interesting conversation with Dan Brown -- the man behind the Brown Ranch and Hummer House. We talked about the transition from ranching to opening up his ranch to bird and wildlife enthusiasts. He's a pioneer in that area and he has been called upon to counsel other ranchers who are considering the same path. He mentioned that he "talked their language" but that convincing different generations of ranching families wasn't that easy. As the saying goes, "One person leaves the gate open and it ruins it for everyone else". Still, he said the economics of ranching has changed in unforeseen ways over the years and his decision to open his ranch for birders and eco-tourists was definitely the right decision for him. And it's quite obvious he thoroughly enjoys meeting the people who come to visit. At one point he looked me in the eye and said, "I've been feeding hummingbirds for 48 years (!)". He smiled at the obvious dumbfounded look on my face. When I half jokingly asked how many commercial feeders were available 48 years ago he said, "There weren't any, made my own". Then he said, "We went through 1,113 pounds of sugar last year" (!!). More dumbfounded look from me, bigger smile from him. You don't meet a man like Dan every day, I'm glad I got the opportunity. His wife Cathy is a generous host. She prepared lunch for everybody -- even a non-bander bum like me. Since I wasn't one of the hard working banders I felt a bit guilty mooching a free lunch. I told her I brought a sandwich and she said, "If you don't like what I made, you can eat your sandwich". The lunch was delicious, my sandwich went uneaten (thanks Cathy). It was interesting to watch the banders at work. Martha transcribed data from either Bob or Mark. Bob, Mark or Fred took turns retrieving the trapped birds for banding. The data entered for each bird was done with considerable diligence -- along with the occasional humorous quip from Bob or Fred. While the banders were quite focused at the task at hand, they generously answered any questions myself and other observers came up with. It's quite clear that Bob, Martha, Mark and Fred are very devoted and interested in the birds they band. Bob mentioned to me that if I were to post to Humnet about my visit that I should include any observations, suggestions or criticisms about what they do because "it helps us improve on what we do". Well, I certainly didn't see anything to criticize but I do have a suggestion: Please do what you do for as long as you possibly can. Your work is invaluable to casual observers such as myself. I'm sure there's a certain amount of tedium at times, some days the weather is just lousy, and road trips can be tiring. But your efforts are truly appreciated, my hat's off to you guys -- and all banders out there. (Here's a tip for anyone who observes a banding operation for the first time: If you're going to engage in idle chatter, step away from the vicinity of the banding table. Specific numbers and data are being entered and the banders need to concentrate on what they're entering). I did take some photographs but the weather was overcast and the light was not the best for picture-taking (the day remained cool which was great though). I haven't run them through my editing software but I'll post a few in a web gallery for those who are interested. Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: wildlife habitat From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:50:36 -0500 Josephine wrote; > I also have registered as wildlife habitat, and concur totally with > your observation re: registration. My purpose was more to support the > organization and do my part to raise a bit of awareness of the import > of such things. And, it was gratifying to check off the items, though > I did think perhaps more than the minimum of 2 might be required. > The point of course, is to get more people aware that there are > indeed, small changes that can be made that make a large difference > for wildlife. My purpose in registering was to support the organization as well (I donated a little extra along with paying for the plaque). My hope is that by 'advertising' what my property is meant to be, my intention will also be explained -- along with getting the point across that I'm not just some lazy slug ;). I always end up shaking my head when I ponder how modifying 'the natural' into some strange squared off, subjugated aesthetic became the norm. There are a series of photographs in one of the Wasowski books of the front lawns of several houses. Each photo is basically the same: perfectly flat, sculpted lawn with perfectly sculpted hedges. Not a blade or leaf out of place (no ungodly native plants either). The description of the photographs notes that each house is in a different state from the others. The states are listed with the question: Can you tell which lawn and house belongs to which state? The monotony is so mind numbing you can't match house to state no matter how long you stare at the photos. Now, if some folks like their house or lawn to blend in with everybody else's, fine. But if some of us choose to veer off and create naturalistic, wildlife-friendly environments (within reason of course) -- well, you know where I'm headed. As a friend of mine often says, "Howard, we live in an oddly shaped world". Yep, we sure do. Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: wildlife habitat....was...Re: [HUMNET-L] Howard's Problem Neighbor From: jwnix <jwnix AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 18:40:57 -0500 Howard et al.... I also have registered as wildlife habitat, and concur totally with your observation re: registration. My purpose was more to support the organization and do my part to raise a bit of awareness of the import of such things. And, it was gratifying to check off the items, though I did think perhaps more than the minimum of 2 might be required. The point of course, is to get more people aware that there are indeed, small changes that can be made that make a large difference for wildlife. I have had persons ask if my lawnmower is broken and/or would I like to borrow theirs. and the best, most amusing, oh, you want that overgrown look??!!! I do have lots of dragonflies....butterflies....hummers....even fireflies are returning.... I don't have manicured st augustine to water and mow. On May 7, 2008, at 6:28 PM, HW wrote: I also registered my property as wildlife habitat. In a few weeksI'll receive a nice shiny plaque that will be displayed on my mailbox stand (actually an imposing limestone monolith). I felt the registration process was a bit bogus because obviously no one checks out what you claim your property consists of. But it was gratifying to legitimately check off 8 to 10 items in each category when only a minimum of 2 were required. Anyway, I'm working on it. Josephine Avery IslandSubject: Re: FOS adult Male Ruby-throated From: "Allen T. Chartier" <amazilia1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:29:49 -0400 Humnetters, I too have finally had my first Ruby-throat in my yard, after tallying more than 200 arrivals in the state (mainly thanks to Lanny Chambers), yesterday May 6. This adult male tagged all four of my feeders like he'd just hit a home run. Allen T. Chartier amazilia1 AT comcast.net Inkster, Michigan, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Website: www.amazilia.net HummerNet: www.amazilia.net/MIHummerNet Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every day, the hummingbird eats its own weight in food. You may wonder how it weighs the food. It doesn't. It just eats another hummingbird. -- Steven Wright =========================================Subject: Re: Howard's Problem Neighbor From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 18:28:52 -0500 Miriam wrote; > Since you & your neighbor apparently have greatly divergent views on > landscape management, have you thought about establishing a bufferzone along > the perimeter of your property? All of your suggestions are good ones. Thing is, I've always maintained a mowed buffer around my house, driveway and along the front of the road ever since we moved in. I mow about 3 mower widths at the very least (more in some areas). Many of the other homeowners in my subdivision do the same thing, it's a common practice. I would have also mowed right along his fence line except there was nothing to mow. My neighbor was just kicking up a lot of dust. My wife suggested he was testing the limits of my tolerance after last summer. I'm not sure that's true, but if it is, that's a very bad idea. Yesterday I spoke to the Ag Extension Agent in my county. I told him what my land management plan is and asked him if his office endorses or encourages what I'm trying to do. He said they are very supportive and he wished more landowners would do the same thing. We talked about the wildlife benefits among other things and he also mentioned how natural landscapes without chemical or pesticide use improves water quality as rainwater filters through the soil (and limestone in my case) before reaching the aquifer. Even though I verbally explained to my neighbor my intentions, I'm drafting a letter to him re-explaining what I'm doing and why I have every right to do so (including phone numbers he can call to verify my claims if he chooses). I also registered my property as wildlife habitat. In a few weeks I'll receive a nice shiny plaque that will be displayed on my mailbox stand (actually an imposing limestone monolith). I felt the registration process was a bit bogus because obviously no one checks out what you claim your property consists of. But it was gratifying to legitimately check off 8 to 10 items in each category when only a minimum of 2 were required. Anyway, I'm working on it. I plan to call the sheriff's office, chat with them a bit, and hopefully glean some useful advice. In all honesty, I'm not a confrontational person. I hate getting mad and yelling at anyone. But when it comes to certain interests I have that I feel are at a minimum genuinely benign -- and hopefully beneficial -- I don't plan to budge much. By the way, on Monday I spent several hours at the Brown Ranch/Hummer House near Christoval, Texas. I met Bob and Martha Sargent, Fred Basset, and other master banders. I'll post about my visit there tomorrow (I think I'll get around to it). Hopefully my account of my visit will be more interesting than railing on about my wingnut neighbor. Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: FOS Ruby-throated From: Rachel Powless <LMohawk AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:46:13 EDT Hello Penny and All, On 5-5-08 we welcomed our first male in late afternoon. As he perched on a four-fountain not one foot away, we noticed a band. Woo-Hoo! Let the games begin up north. Sorry for the excitement, too. Please, please indulge us all of you southern hum nuts for our season is just heatin' up. Rachel Powless West Bloomfield, MI **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)Subject: Howard's Problem Neighbor From: Miriam Davey <athena_9 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:37:50 -0500 Howard Since you & your neighbor apparently have greatly divergent views on landscape management, have you thought about establishing a bufferzone along the perimeter of your property? That way, you mow it before he has a chance to, taking back control of the situation. I'm talking one or two mower-widths swath at most. Purpose would be threefold: 1) You'd be at least attempting in some way, to keep some of the aspects of your place he evidently finds objectionable, from touching and therefore in some way tainting his property. 2) He wouldn't be able to say he didn't realize where the line was; it's where you mow (albeit a little higher than he does), and then the "weeds" start. 3) You might find you end up often using the perimeter path yourself. People who maintain much larger pieces of property for deer and rabbit hunting often do the perimeter pathway thing, partly as a signal to alter potential tresspassers that they are encountering a different parcel of property with different access rules, AND, it turns out it's a convenient way for the owners/managers to check on the entire property doing a quick ride or walk around its perimeter, and then walking in from points along it if they need to. Some even make an actual road or pathway, others just mow. They find they check the property much more often if they don't have to don redbug spray and kneeboots to do it. Consider using removable survey stakes with neon marking tape, or simply spraypainting a flourescent color right down the line. You'd have to move the stakes before mowing the perimeter, and repaint the line, but after a yr or two your niebhor should be trained to not cross the line, sort of like the row of flags one puts out when first training a dog not to cross the buried hotwire using a radio shock collar. And, no, don't get any bright ideas about burying a wire and rigging the underside of your neighbor's riding mower with a radio shock collar, though I bet he wouldn't get too many "hot seats" before he figured out it's not a good idea to tresspass... On our very rural property near the Arkansas line, we've had 2 adjacent neighbors requiring 4 sheriff visits total in less than 2 yrs time, 2 of those visits with the SWAT team, one with an ambulance, and that doesn't include one sheriff visit during that time to run off some non-neighbor trespassing hunters who blocked the public road bisecting our property, by using it as an ATV staging area. Lucky for us, it wasn't always us who called the police, but my point is, if you're in a rural area, Howard, you probably should get to know your sheriff. You might want to at least give him (or her) a heads-up on the conflict. Who knows, maybe other neighbors are having other problems with him, as we found out with one of our neighbors. Your neighbor might be crazier than you think, but your sheriff might be a real help just in giving you good advice abt how to deal with the situation, as ours has been. Keep us updated. It's nice to know others have these type troubles, too. MiriamLDavey BatonRougeLASubject: Re: FOS adult Male Ruby-throated From: Jim Cummings <jims50th AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 13:42:51 -0700 Penny/Humnet, I had a FOS male fly straight at me from 55 feet away, thinking what is this red glowing thing headed at me...all in a few seconds thinking this of course...this was Sunday May 4th...this morning, a FOS female drank a bit then flew off...they are late this year and few in numbers so far. Jim Springville, PA 18844 USDA Zone 5 --- On Wed, 5/7/08, Penny DurninSubject: FOS adult Male Ruby-throated From: Penny Durnin <pendee AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:52:06 -0400 Humnetters I hope you will indulge me in my excitement. I just wanted to share that my FOS adult male in pristeen plumage arrived at 3:15 today May 7th. We are having a few sprinkles and he perched right on the $.97 Wal-Mart feeder. Then he flew over to the mini clothesline to preen himself and then to the back of the garden to the First nature Feeder. I just planted my overwintered David Verity beneath that feeder but the blooms are still few and far between so he may not have noticed it. I can rest a lot easier now that I know he is around. -- Penny Durnin Niagara Falls, NY USDA zone 6a Heat zone 4 Sunset climate zone 37Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates From: Scott Knaus <rsknaus AT GECINC.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 13:04:49 -0500 NLN Wrote: There have been a couple of other May Buff-bellied reports as well. This year, the Buffies seem to be in no hurry to leave. I've gotten 2 new reports in the last week! I'll be interested to learn how long your gal stays around and if anyone else is continuing to see any in Louisiana. Nancy and Humnet: Last weekend, May 2, 3 and 4, a buffy showed up out of the blue and hung around like he owned the place (he did!). Unfortunately, it was while we were in the middle of moving. Maybe he knew something was up. Yes we have moved a little further down Highland Rd. The new yard has lots of potential, but it will be tough to compete with some of the banner years in the old yard. I will keep you posted. Scott Knaus Baton RougeSubject: Re: Hummingbird late dates From: "James V. Remsen" <najames AT LSU.EDU> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 19:07:18 -0500 HUMNET -- for late dates for LA, be sure to check the draft of our hummingbird chapter available online as a pdf at: http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/LABirdBook.html Additions and corrections welcomed. ********************************* Dr. J. V. Remsen, Jr. LSU Museum of Natural Science Foster Hall 119, LSU Baton Rouge, LA 70803 najamesSubject: my mowing neighbor -- part II From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 10:24:02 -0500 Humnet, Note: this post is related to an incident I described last year and is probably a bit long. Although hummingbirds are mentioned I suspect many of you may not be interested and may wish to free up bandwidth and hit *delete* now. Some of you may recall a post of mine last summer describing my neighbor mowing down the wildflowers and native grasses on my property while I was away on vacation. Well, he was at it again -- on a much lesser scale -- this past Sunday. I noticed my "neighbor" was mowing along his fence on MY side of the property line. I walked outside and stepped in front of his path and asked something along the lines of, "What the #%$ AT do you think you're doing?". He said he wanted to cut the grass along his fence to prevent fire from reaching his property. Wait...what? The look of incredulity that came across my face must have been downright cartoonish. The grasses on my property have barely reached 4 inches tall since I had my property seasonally mowed last fall -- and they are perfectly green and certainly far from combustible. For the moment I decided to keep my building anger in check and asked him if he knew how many fires had raged through the area in the past 20 plus years. Answer: none. (I know this because I talked to the ranch manager who cares for the cattle right behind my property. She's been tending the ranch for 22 years. She did say that two fires occurred out by the highway years ago, one from fireworks and the other started by a car -- both put out quickly). Then my neighbor says, "I still don't understand why you're irritated when I try to *help* you". Now the look of incredulity on my face must have been freakishly cartoonish. My checked anger now became -- click -- unchecked. I reminded him -- in language not fit for this forum -- of our conversation last summer, about how I decide how I maintain my property, about how I'm working on restoring native grasses, wildflowers, and understory shrubs with wildlife in mind, about how I'm in touch with local agencies regarding land management (including fire prevention). Oh, and I mentioned something about property rights, trespassing and the law (wow, what concepts...). After my brief diatribe I was met with silence and a defiant stare. I then pointed to his cherished John Deere lawn tractor and said, "Do you want this machine confiscated?". Blink, stare. "Neither you nor this machine are allowed on my property again, get it?". That did it, off he went. As angry as my wife was, she was concerned about how angry I had become and the volume of my voice. She said that although I rarely get angry I can be quite intimidating when I do. Well, there better never be a rerun of this episode or 'intimidation' will take on a whole new meaning. Now I know what all of you who decided to read this ridiculous story are thinking: "Howard, why didn't you just call the sheriff?". My wife wanted to and we probably should have. But it was early Sunday evening and I pictured my local officer just sitting down to have dinner with his family. I realize that's a lousy excuse for not involving law enforcement. Plus, I'd rather deal with things on my own if I can. But if there is a next time -- and there really had better not be -- the local sheriff will be paying a visit. My wife and I are drafting a letter to our whack job neighbor, reiterating certain 'issues' and why it would be best we not revisit them again. What's odd about all of this is that in the past my neighbor has marveled at the number of hummingbirds I've managed to attract in the short time I've lived here. He even asked me what my secret was. I told him I work on providing food and water and habitat that is conducive to attracting birds and other wildlife in general (HINT, HINT!). He walked away scratching his head... Another thing that is quite odd is that my neighbor and I read the same newspaper. In just the past few weeks there have been articles relating to the changing (and already long ago changed) attitudes about traditional lawns, water shortages, attracting wildlife, etc, etc. One article described a couple who are building a house west of Austin with no formal lawn included at all. In the article the husband proudly states, "My lawnmower is not going with me when we move". Another article mentioned the value of leaving certain areas of you yard or property undisturbed if your aim is to attract wildlife. And most recently there was an article about a planned development proposed for Driftwood, Texas (just down the road from me) that will restrict landscaping to drought tolerant, native and regionally well adapted plants. Also -- and this is the kicker -- 50 feet of undisturbed native vegetation must be maintained between homes. I may be a freak, but I'm not alone in my interests. I'd suggest to my neighbor that he is the freak but I'd likely just see more head scratching. Alright, that's enough. For those of you who waded through this overly long post I hope you gleaned something of value. For those of you who waded through this post and are irritated at its length and possible lack of relevance, I apologize in advance. adios, Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: Nancy's sugar readings From: Nancy L Newfield <nancy AT CASACOLIBRI.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 08:47:25 -0500 Miriam, At 07:43 AM 5/6/2008, Miriam Davey wrote: >Rex and I grew a rather large and showy row of Cuphea llavea about 20 yrs >ago, with seeds ordered from Thompson & Morgan. It was visually rather >stunning, but we decided it was about worthless for hum-visits. I've >probably seen more hummers at red ribbons and garden Impatiens than at that >plant. Definitiely seen more hummers at Lantana camara than said Cuphea. Same here. I just observed a male Ruby-throated go to an Agastache 'Tutti Frutti' about 1 foot from the Cuphea llavea. The Agastache nectar measured 29.6% [5 µL composite from 16 flowers] while the Cuphea was 26.6% [20 µL from a single flower]. >Nancy, do you have a reading on L.camara? Old orange weedy thing all over >Cameron Parish, naturalized in many places across Louisiana? Calliopes >really go to it in my yard, though the other hums tend to ignore it. Now, why didn't I bring the refractometer to Cameron with me weekend before last? Lantanas are on my list of plants to test. While I was in Cuba, I observed a Bee Hummingbird using Lantana flowers though nectar from a tiny Stachytarpheta jamaicensis seemed to be preferred. Maybe the very small hummers find the small flowers more appealing. NLN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nancy L Newfield Casa Colibrí Metairie, Louisiana USA nancy AT casacolibri.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Subject: Nancy's sugar readings From: Miriam Davey <athena_9 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 07:43:37 -0500 NLN/Humnet Interesting readings on various hum-plant sugar content in nectar. Look how many hum-favorites hover around 25-30% sugar (1 part sugar to 2 or 3 parts water, or if you prefer, 1:2 or 1:3). Look how few hum-favorites dip down into the 20% and below range (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, or 1:4). And, anyone keeping up with the "how much sugar" discussion can't fail to notice the complete lack of flowers measuring in the popularly-touted 1:5 sugar water range (something-teenth percent sugar). Of course, THOSE something-teenth percent flowers probably aren't likely to even be grown by a NLN, because she simply doesn't have space in her garden for poor performers... Rex and I grew a rather large and showy row of Cuphea llaevea about 20 yrs ago, with seeds ordered from Thompson & Morgan. It was visually rather stunning, but we decided it was about worthless for hum-visits. I've probably seen more hummers at red ribbons and garden Impatiens than at that plant. Definitiely seen more hummers at Lantana camara than said Cuphea. Nancy, do you have a reading on L.camara? Old orange weedy thing all over Cameron Parish, naturalized in many places across Louisiana? Calliopes really go to it in my yard, though the other hums tend to ignore it. MiriamLDavey BatonRougeLASubject: Re: more nesting material collected From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 19:32:12 -0500 Karen wrote; > What is your home-made nesting material dispenser? Our cats are also > generous in their contributions but I don't know how to make it available to > the birds. It's just a simple tube shape made out of hardware cloth. I took a scrap piece of hardware cloth about 8 inches long and 3 inches wide and curved it back on itself. I stuffed the pet hair and cotton batting in the tube with a pencil. At first I hung it under an eave with just one hook but it blew in the wind too much -- and hummers seemed to have a difficult time pulling fibers from it because it moved too freely. I then anchored the loose end and they can pull the pet hair and cotton batting much easier now. If I were to fashion another one I'd probably take an 8 by 16 inch piece of hardware cloth and place the pet hair and cotton batting on one half and fold the other half over to secure the hair and fibers. It's also a good idea to pull some of the fibers through a little to make it easier for the birds to extract it. Be prepared for Titmice to rummage through it as well, with little subtlety. Remember, do NOT use cotton balls or dryer lint. Make sure you provide unprocessed cotton only. It should feel slick and waxy which means the natural wax is still present, thereby being water repellent. Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: more nesting material collected From: Penny Durnin <pendee AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 20:27:27 -0400 On Mon, May 5, 2008 at 6:49 PM, Karen HowellsSubject: Re: more nesting material collected From: Karen Howells <howellska AT COX.NET> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 17:49:31 -0500 What is your home-made nesting material dispenser? Our cats are also generous in their contributions but I don't know how to make it available to the birds. Karen Howells Prairieville, La -----Original Message----- From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast [mailto:HUMNET-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of HW Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 12:05 PM To: HUMNET-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [HUMNET-L] more nesting material collected Humnet, Early this morning I watched a female Blackchinned collect pet hair and cotton batting fibers from my homemade fiber dispenser. The pet hair has been generously donated by Gus the cat (our Japanese bobtail) and Max the dog (thanks to NLN). An hour or so later my wife watched another bird -- or the same one? -- collecting nesting material. She turned to me and said, "You need a video camera". Yes, yes I do. Now if Dennis Demcheck would shave Sluggo once or twice a year I suspect that would provide enough nesting material for all the hummingbirds in North America (probably Central and South America as well). What do you say, Dennis? It's for a good cause... Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates From: Beth and Sammy Maniscalco <beth.maniscalco AT NICHOLLS.EDU> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 12:46:12 -0500 Nancy and Humnetters: Sammy and I observed one of the three wintering Buff-bellieds on Sunday morning, which is a late date for us. Have no idea which one he/she is, but it is welcome to stay as long as it likes. Doesn't seem too disturbed by the tons or Ruby-throats hanging out, swooping and diving and playing around!!! Beth Maniscalco Thibodaux, LA (Approx. 60 miles SW of New Orleans)Subject: Nectar Quest From: Nancy L Newfield <nancy AT CASACOLIBRI.NET> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 10:43:36 -0500 Howdy Y'All, Dennis 'Sugar Man' Demcheck's nectar study has been so interesting that I couldn't let him have all the fun by himself. So, I've been doing some testing of my own and I've posted some results to the Hummingbird Forum. http://www.network54.com/Forum/439743/thread/1207751337/last-1209996796/Nectar+Quest I've been posting these for a couple of weeks and the readings are scattered throughout the thread. Today's are all about Salvias, so scroll down to the end for that one. NLN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nancy L Newfield Casa Colibrí Metairie, Louisiana USA nancy AT casacolibri.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Subject: [LABIRD-L] Hummingbird Late Dates From: Nancy L Newfield <nancy AT CASACOLIBRI.NET> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 20:34:49 -0500 Linda et al., At 10:12 AM 5/3/2008, Linda M. Keefer wrote on LABIRD: > . . hummingbirds are common visitors to the > nectar feeders and a buffbellied hummer is > still visiting (but scouring a much wider > territory than before--never had a winter bird > this late, I suspect she will be gone soon but its been fun!) Among my notes gleaned from various sources, I have reports of 5 species staying into May - Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, and Rufous. None of these birds have been at my place and I am indeed envious. In 2003, Carol Foil reported a Buff-bellied on 16 May and Cindy Macolini reported one on 17 June! The Macolini bird was seen sporadically through the summer. Given that the 2 sites are less than a mile apart, it is possible that a single individual visited both places. However, since both sites hosted Buff-bellieds the previous winter, it is also possible that the sightings were of different individuals. There is no way to know. There have been a couple of other May Buff-bellied reports as well. This year, the Buffies seem to be in no hurry to leave. I've gotten 2 new reports in the last week! I'll be interested to learn how long your gal stays around and if anyone else is continuing to see any in Louisiana. NLN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nancy L Newfield Casa Colibrí Metairie, Louisiana USA nancy AT casacolibri.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Subject: garden surprise and first hummer From: "Michael J. Rock" <mjrock AT FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 20:23:53 -0500 May 3, 2008 was a banner day for us. First, we noticed that our Eccremocarpus scaber from last year is coming back. This plant is supposed to be only hardy to zone 7. We had over 100 inches of snow this winter (a new record for us); perhaps the blanket of snow helped to insulate the plant. The second surprise is that our first hummer of the year arrived. This is a new spring record for us; the previous earliest sighting was May 5. In looking at this adult male, his tail seemed to not be as deeply forked as we are accustomed to seeing. Here is a photo from an oblique view: https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/mjrock/web/hummer050308.jpg We had some views from directly behind him, and his tail was not very forked. Is this just the way that he is holding his tail, or is he still growing in new tail feathers after his winter molt? Michael and Kathi Rock Madison, WISubject: Re: [LABIRD-L] BR birds after rainstorm, and VOTE From: "Linda M. Keefer" <lmkeef AT JUNO.COM> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 15:12:20 GMT The rain has stopped here for only about 20 minutes--air is cool and clean! To my surprise I found 6 rosebreasted grosbeaks--3 males and 3 females--lining up on my blueberry bushes to get onto my green squirrel-retardant feeder--new number for my yard!--purple martins are scouting overhead, a pair of prothonotory warblers using the mealworm feeders are nesting nearby, even have a couple of chipping sparrows still around--and the usual suspects for the spring including a pair of swallowtailed kites in the area---hummingbirds are common visitors to the nectar feeders and a buffbellied hummer is still visiting (but scouring a much wider territory than before--never had a winter bird this late, I suspect she will be gone soon but its been fun!) Going to vote now...then come back and enjoy the yard! Lots of spring work to do there...... Linda Linda M. Keefer, MD, PhD -- Miriam DaveySubject: more nesting material collected From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 12:05:17 -0500 Humnet, Early this morning I watched a female Blackchinned collect pet hair and cotton batting fibers from my homemade fiber dispenser. The pet hair has been generously donated by Gus the cat (our Japanese bobtail) and Max the dog (thanks to NLN). An hour or so later my wife watched another bird -- or the same one? -- collecting nesting material. She turned to me and said, "You need a video camera". Yes, yes I do. Now if Dennis Demcheck would shave Sluggo once or twice a year I suspect that would provide enough nesting material for all the hummingbirds in North America (probably Central and South America as well). What do you say, Dennis? It's for a good cause... Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: Loss of a Very Special Person From: Jayne Amico <recoverywing AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 09:33:39 -0400 SO sorry to hear this very sad news. He was so young! One year older than me!!! That link did not work, is there another? Jayne Amico Southington, CT Zone 6 Online condolences can be extended to Troy's family at www.heartlandcremation.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heartland Cremation & Burial Society of Columbia. 442-7850. > Published in the Kansas City Star on 5/2/2008. > > > Patty Koetting > Lake of the Ozarks, MissouriSubject: Loss of a Very Special Person From: Patty Koetting <loz66mm AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 06:13:31 -0500 1952-2007 Troy Gordon, 47, passed away Friday, April 25, 2008. There will be a
memorial gathering in the Shelter House at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site
on Saturday, May 3rd from 2-4pm. Around 3:15 we will have a short service and
sharing of memories Troy was born August 18, 1960 in Independence, MO to Milo
Jacks & Maxine Isabell (Matteson) Gordon. He graduated from UMKC with a
Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies. He worked in libraries until he
became a stay at home dad when his first daughter was born. He continued
volunteering for many groups, among them the Big Muddy National Fish and
Wildlife Refuge, MO Master Naturalist, MO River Relief, & MO Dept. of
Conservation. He was a Master Hummingbird Bander and participated in songbird
banding. Troy gave many presentations on hummingbirds and river animals to
schools and groups. He especially enjoyed showing kids about birds and nature.
He loved to travel, camp, and contra dance. Troy is survived by his loving
wife, Janine, two very special daughters, Jasmine & Genely, a sister Linda
Hester & family, two half-sisters Suzanne Smith & Sandy Gedminas & their
families, a half-brother Fred L. Ehman, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Missouri River Relief,
P.O. Box 463, Columbia, MO 65205 for a special project on the Big Muddy Refuge.
Online condolences can be extended to Troy's family at
www.heartlandcremation.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heartland
Cremation & Burial Society of Columbia. 442-7850.
Published in the Kansas City Star on 5/2/2008.
Patty Koetting
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Subject: Blackchinned nest picturesFrom: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:39:20 -0500 Humnet, I've taken a few pictures of the Blackchinned nest I mentioned in yesterday's post. The web album location; http://picasaweb.google.com/howilliams/BlackchinnedNest The nest is about 15 feet off the ground on a live oak branch. I used a telephoto lens to zoom in a close as possible. However, the first picture is a pulled back view -- yes, the nest is in the picture (though impossible to see). Unfortunately I was not able to wait around for the female to land on the nest. In terms of dimensions, it's approximately the size of a golf ball (maybe slightly larger). Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Re: found a hummer nest From: Cathie Hutcheson <hutche AT SIU.EDU> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:47:11 -0500 Watching the female fly to the nest is the only way I've found nests, too. Cathie Hutcheson Makanda, IL On Apr292008, at 3:35 PM, HW wrote: > Hello Humnet, > > After many years of observing hummingbirds I've never located a nest > -- > until today. I went to drop off some of my concrete products at a > local > gardening store. While the owner was busy with a customer I waited > by my > truck. A female hummingbird landed on an oak branch just above me. > The bird > seemed to be somewhat agitated and kept an eye on me while it went > from > branch to branch. Then it flew to another tree close by. I watched > it land > on what looked like a small knot on a branch. I soon realized the > 'knot' was > a nest. Although I couldn't see the youngsters I watched them being > fed. > When the store owner walked over to me I told him a hummingbird had > made a > nest just above his parking area. I pointed to the nest and he said > "Where?". Finally he located it and was quite thrilled. I'm dropping > some > paper work off in a day or two and I plan to take my camera document > the > nest. I'll post pictures afterward. I have to say, if I had not > watched the > bird land directly on the nest the chance of finding the nest on its > own is > close to zero. The store owner and I both marveled at the expert > camouflage > treatment. Again, I'll post photographs in a day or two. > > Howard Williams > Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: found a hummer nest From: HW <howilliams AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:35:35 -0500 Hello Humnet, After many years of observing hummingbirds I've never located a nest -- until today. I went to drop off some of my concrete products at a local gardening store. While the owner was busy with a customer I waited by my truck. A female hummingbird landed on an oak branch just above me. The bird seemed to be somewhat agitated and kept an eye on me while it went from branch to branch. Then it flew to another tree close by. I watched it land on what looked like a small knot on a branch. I soon realized the 'knot' was a nest. Although I couldn't see the youngsters I watched them being fed. When the store owner walked over to me I told him a hummingbird had made a nest just above his parking area. I pointed to the nest and he said "Where?". Finally he located it and was quite thrilled. I'm dropping some paper work off in a day or two and I plan to take my camera document the nest. I'll post pictures afterward. I have to say, if I had not watched the bird land directly on the nest the chance of finding the nest on its own is close to zero. The store owner and I both marveled at the expert camouflage treatment. Again, I'll post photographs in a day or two. Howard Williams Dripping Springs, TexasSubject: Buff-belly From: Jeanne Plaisance <Playsongs AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:21:01 EDT Hello all, My buff-belly female is still here also. She is SO fat. She looks like a giant oil drop you might see on a commercial. She is fighting with the ruby-throats over the blooming Abutilon and feeders. Great entertainment about 6:30 p.m. Jeanne Plaisance Lafayette, LA **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)Subject: Ornitologia Neotropical now available online From: "Ingold, James" <James.Ingold AT LSUS.EDU> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:35:22 -0500 There are hummer papers published in this journal. The contents of Ornitologia Neotropical vol. 1-13 (2002) are now available online as pdf files free of charge! http://www.neotropicalornithology.org/revista/revista.htmlSubject: Backyard this morning, New Orleans LO date for buff-bellied #2 From: Charlotte Seidenberg <c.seidenberg AT COX.NET> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:43:30 -0500 Male rose-breasted grosbeak, a gillion cedar waxwings and a mockingbird are in the red mulberry tree. Cardinal pair and babies (whining) are around the seed feeder. Buff-bellied hummer (#1, the banded one) is still here fighting with ruby-throateds (male, female? heard, not seen) over red buckeye and Mamou. (Bull frog booming from the pond. Gulf coast toads were making their own JazzFest last night.) LO date for buff-bellied hummer # 2: 3/22/2008. Charlotte Seidenberg New Orleans, LA 70115-1721 504-899-6973 c.seidenberg AT cox.net charlotte.seidenberg AT gmail.comSubject: Re: wintering hummers From: Tom & Eloise Sylvest <sylves_t AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:45:23 -0500 Sandy, Thanks so much for your LO report. It is with pleasure that I entered it into our Louisiana Western Winter Hummer database. Best, Tom ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sandra Lewis"Subject: Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? From: Tom & Eloise Sylvest <sylves_t AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:42:09 -0500 Hey! Linda, Thanks for the report. I have entered the date of April 27 into ouir Louisiana Western Winter Hummer database. as though it is your LO date. If you send a new LO date it will just be an update of this one. Thanks so much for your reports. Linda, you had quite a special event with all your winter hummers this season. I look forward to meeting you in the future and seeing some of your winter hummers in your yard. Blessings, Tom Sylvest ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda M. Keefer"Subject: Oriole Friday, Grosbeak Saturday, HUMMINGBIRD Sunday! From: Melissa Pappas <ftknoxfox53 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:01:01 -0700 What a great weekend!
After such a daunting winter, to have three great
birds arrive early...
Friday marked the return of Ripkin (or, at least, I'm
pretty sure it's the male Baltimore Oriole Allen
banded last year as I saw a glint from his leg as he
landed on one of the hummingbird feeders - Perky Pet 4
Fountains).
Yesterday, a vivid male Rose-breasted Grosbeak fought
for room on one of the tube seed feeders in the yard.
The topper was today, however, when I saw the first of
the season hummingbird flit past the window heading
from one of the feeders. I frequently checked all the
feeders to see if I could get another glimpse (assume
it was a male ruby throated, but it was quite small
and wanted to be certain). Sadly, I only got the one
quick look. I'm hoping that he will be back in ensuing
days and bringing reinforcements.
All those stories about hummers riding the backs of
Canada Geese were wrong. Obviously, they ride
Baltimore Orioles as they both like to feed from the
same feeders.
Melissa Pappas
Hamburg Township, Livingston County, MI
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Subject: wintering hummersFrom: Sandra Lewis <s76lewis AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:47:15 -0500 I have not seen my black-chinned male hummer since April 18th. His gorget was quite finished. Maybe I'll see him next winter. My son did tell me about a scissor-tailed flycatcher pair In Natchitoches, LA last week. He described them well. No picture. I wonder if they nest there? Sandy Lewis Sulphur, LASubject: Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? From: "Linda M. Keefer" <lmkeef AT JUNO.COM> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:52:03 GMT I was about to report a Last Observd Date for my last winter hummer--one of the female buffbellieds---when she flew in front of me and perched, guarding, over one of her commonly visited feeders--I thought I may have heard her yesterday but it was brief and I didnt see her--but I can comfirm, a female buffbelly is still here! Sunday, April 27th---my latest date for a winter hummer yet! Will keep you posted! Linda M. Keefer, MD, PhD -------------------------- Nancy asked: Subject: How Many Winterers Still Around? From: Nancy L NewfieldSubject: R/T Hummer From: Dottie <yumyumkatts AT VOYAGER.NET> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:20:26 -0400 Finally a R/T showed up. He is late by four days. Harry hasn't came yet.
Sure hope he shows up.
Dottie, Hickory Hollow
Brown County, Indiana
(50 miles south of Indianapolis)
Lat: 39.371N Lon: 86.261W Zone 5 Elevation: 680 ft
Subject: Fwd: Rufous X Anna's hybrid picturesFrom: Mike Patterson <celata AT PACIFIER.COM> Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:40:31 -0800 The attached URL should get you to some remarkable photos of a presumed ANNA'S x RUFOUS hybrid at Eugene, OR. > peterpatricelli wrote: > > Davis was busy chasing flycatchers in the raining rainforest so I took the initiative in > posting these 18 pictures before he even sees them. Hope this is OK. > > http://www.flyfishingfotography.com/hummer_hybrid_001.htm > > Peter Patricelli > > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata AT pacifier.com When bad photos happen to good birds http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/2008/03/photo20080313.htmlSubject: Re: Re wireless bird cams From: Jim Cummings <jims50th AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:39:40 -0700 Patty/Miriam: Glad you like your cam Patty. You should think about sending the signal thru your VCR to capture the action on tape. Would be easy to do. Just keep the signal flowing "in" to the VCR, "out" of the VCR to the TV "in". Miriam/Patty, I'm considering using a wireless setup as my boxes are 120 to 335 feet away from the house. I'm afraid with all the critters we have here in PA that I can imagine something chewing thru the cable running it so far a distance. Just that the investment is greater than $89.00. Talking $255.00 shipping included. Wireless is the way to go I think Miriam. The website I'm eyeing is Spyonabird.com. Let you all know how I make out. Jim Cummings Springville, PA 18844 > We have our new "Hawk-Eye" nature cam installed in a > bluebird house on our > deck. This is not a wireless camera but came with > 100' of cable which can > be connected to a tv or computer. We are very > pleased with the color, video > quality and sound produced by this little camera. > It has six infra-red eyes > that produce video at night. The lens is wide-angle > and is focused manually > for up close to infinity. This camera would work > well for home security or > monitoring a yard for critters. The company > advertises extra cable can be > added, up to 1000' feet with no loss of video > quality. With a spring > discount being offered now, the camera with 100' of > cable can be purchased > for about $80.00 plus shipping. A video demo is > available on the web site: > http://www.tmbstudios.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BHSC-HEVC > > Got our first male RT last Monday, long after being > surrounded by "Lanny > dots". Observed our first female yesterday. After > our bluebirds fledge, we > plan on using our new nature came to capture video > of the large swarm of > RT's we host each season. > > Hummin' in the Ozarks. > > Patty Koetting > Lake of the Ozarks, south central, MO. > loz66mm AT wildblue.net > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJSubject: Re: Banding From: Jessica Hough <moocowbluz AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:42:30 -0400 Is there anyone that bands in North Louisiana?? I would sure love to see that one day. Jessica Hough Saline, LA (north central)Subject: Re: Banding From: Bob Sargent <RubyThroat AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:56:00 EDT In a message dated 4/21/2008 12:00:09 PM Central Daylight Time, pendee AT GMAIL.COM writes: What a wonderful report Dot amd Bob! Hopefully the increase in hummers will fair as well in other parts of the country .... especially in the northeast. I have feeders out, overwintered plants blooming and record warm temps over thweek end but they seem to still be about 50 or 60 miles away from me.but I am trying to be patient as it is still early. -- Penny Durnin Niagara Falls, NY Penny and Humnetters Have faith, there is positively no indications in my opinion that the population of Ruby-throated have suffered any declines. Coming soon to a feeder in your yard "way up north" will be glorious hummingbirds. Bob Sargent Clay, Alabama **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)Subject: Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? From: Beth and Sammy Maniscalco <beth.maniscalco AT NICHOLLS.EDU> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:56:21 -0500 Tom, Nancy, Humnetters: One of the three buff-bellied hummers that were "in residence" this winter was still around as of Thursday, the 17th and one of the immature male black-chinned hummer was very much "in my face" as I changed out feeders this morning. There are also a dozen or more Ruby-throats here as well, largely males but there are several females as well. I'll try to get some Last Observed dates for you soon, Tom. Beth Maniscalco Thibodaux, LA (Approx. 60 miles SW of New Orleans)Subject: Re: Banding From: Penny Durnin <pendee AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:59:27 -0400 On Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM, DotSubject: Re: Banding From: Bob Sargent <RubyThroat AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:54:11 EDT In a message dated 4/21/2008 9:31:02 AM Central Daylight Time, hummerb AT BELLSOUTH.NET writes: James Bell came up Sat, a,m. We caught 77 Hummers between 7 a.m. and 11 a .m. Of these 56 were new birds 23 were females and 33 were males. We had 21 recaptures. Not bad for the first banding of the season in this yard.. Dot Burge, Henleyfield, Ms. Dot B and Humnetters You guys are awesome. Dot's home in the edge of the wooley-woods is filled with breeding and nesting territories. In all my banding and training session anywhere in the southeast, this is the heaviest population of breeding Ruby-throated that I have ever seen! Looking good Mr. James Bell! The free meals that Dot has fed Martha and me and our trainees were always wonderful as well. This is no small matter when being invited to a home to train new banders. The good old-fashioned music played by Dot Burge is the icing on the cake. Yeah, you are right...I do love that woman! Take care all. Bob Sargent Clay, AL I will be away from Humnet temporarily for a few days. **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)Subject: Banding From: Dot <hummerb AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:30:34 -0500 James Bell came up Sat, a,m. We caught 77 Hummers between 7 a.m. and 11 a .m. Of these 56 were new birds 23 were females and 33 were males. We had 21 recaptures. Not bad for the first banding of the season in this yard.. Dot Burge, Henleyfield, Ms.Subject: Re: How Many Winterers Still Around? From: Tom & Eloise <sylves_t AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:53:33 -0500 Buff-belllied still around Sunday 4/20/08 at Winter Hummer Land, Gramercy, LA (40 miles west of New Orleans, LA, USA) A dozen or so ruby-throated hummingbirds at any given time. Concentration more dense in the late hours of the day. TomSubject: Re: Re wireless bird cams From: Patty Koetting <loz66mm AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:47:01 -0500 We have our new "Hawk-Eye" nature cam installed in a bluebird house on our deck. This is not a wireless camera but came with 100' of cable which can be connected to a tv or computer. We are very pleased with the color, video quality and sound produced by this little camera. It has six infra-red eyes that produce video at night. The lens is wide-angle and is focused manually for up close to infinity. This camera would work well for home security or monitoring a yard for critters. The company advertises extra cable can be added, up to 1000' feet with no loss of video quality. With a spring discount being offered now, the camera with 100' of cable can be purchased for about $80.00 plus shipping. A video demo is available on the web site: http://www.tmbstudios.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BHSC-HEVC Got our first male RT last Monday, long after being surrounded by "Lanny dots". Observed our first female yesterday. After our bluebirds fledge, we plan on using our new nature came to capture video of the large swarm of RT's we host each season. Hummin' in the Ozarks. Patty Koetting Lake of the Ozarks, south central, MO. loz66mm AT wildblue.netSubject: Re wireless bird cams From: Miriam Davey <athena_9 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:22:01 -0500 Jim, Patti Please keep us abreast of how whatever y'all end up using works. My husband and his siblings have a shared ownership home and property in a remote area of the country, and we are interested in setting up some sort of security device to record what looks to be a steady stream of visitors to the property when we aren't present. Human and other species. Complicating the matter is that both phone lines and electricity is rather substandard, and cellphone connections are also not so great. MiriamLDavey BatonRougeLA |