but I don't know when the resident males generally leave their breeding territories in east Tennessee. Our male is still on territory, challenging migrant visitors. But he’s also slowing down a bit, away from the feeder more and, hopefully, fattening up on insects.His appearance is more preened and healthy now, compared to this photo below, taken in July.
And below, a petite visitor...
According to Robert Sargent, in his book, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, hummers binge to put on weight prior to migration, gaining from their normal .1 to .12 ounce weight to .19 to .22 ounces. “Just an additional .07 ounce of fat likely gives them enough fuel for their transgulf migration—under normal conditions, a nonstop journey of 18 to 22 hours without feeding."
Amazing numbers. It’s no wonder we are so fascinated with these tiniest of birds.
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