Pretty Rufous Hummingbird Female Banded in Erwin, Tennessee

Wintering Rufous hummingbirds are being reported throughout east and middle Tennessee, and have been arriving since August, keeping Mark Armstrong, the Master Hummingbird Bander in the eastern part of the state, very busy.  

I had the pleasure of accompanying Mark and his wife and assistant, Jane, as they traveled the two hours to northeast Tennessee on November 24th to band wintering hummingbirds.  Our first stop was Erwin, TN, to visit with Candy Casey (below) who is a new birder and was excited about her first opportunity to see a hummingbird upclose.  

In the image above, Mark is opening the mesh bag that holds the hummingbird briefly after its capture.

Mark first checks for a band on the bird's leg and if no band is present, he affixes a tiny numerically engraved band on the right leg.  The band number with information about the hummingbird is then reported to the Bird Banding Lab in Patuxent, Maryland, the central location for U.S.bird banding data.  These bands are invaluable to scientists who are studying the migration patterns, survivalship and health of bird populations.

The hummer is held in a stocking while it is banded to help keep it calm.  You can see how tiny the band is in the image above.

Female Rufous Hummingbirds often have a cluster of gorget feathers on their throat, unlike the Ruby-throat female which has a clear throat.  Each feather cluster is distinct and the number of orange-red feathers that appear vary considerably among individuals.  The light is striking the feathers in the image above just right to show the beautiful orange-red irridescence of the feathers.

Below, Mark is measuring the hummingbird's beak with a digital measuring instrument. Each of the measurements he takes helps to identify the sex, age and species of the bird.   

It was through telling a friend about the hummingbird that Candy learned about Bob Sargent's Hummer Study Group website and contacted Bob to report the hummingbird. Bob, in turn, encouraged her to contact Mark.  The Hummer Study Group has provided a central location for reporting the presence of western hummingbirds in the east, the most common of which, is the Rufous species.

Another view below of the throat gorget feathers.  The light striking the feather determines its color. Sometimes the feathers appear green or gray. `

Below, Mark is examining the beak with magnifying lens and a hand magnifying loop. He looks for grooving in the beak to determine the age of the bird.  Grooving indicates the beak is still maturing and the bird is in its first year after hatching.  A beak that has no grooving indicates that the bird is more mature.  This female is a mature bird with no grooving in her beak.

The gorget feathers are counted, below, and recorded, also, as a general characteristic of this individual.

Below, mark is blowing through a straw to part the feathers on the belly.  He is looking for indications of fat. Fat in the belly area indicates that the bird is feeding well, and is healthy.  He explains that most of the Rufous Hummingbirds he has banded in Tennessee have a healthy amount of body fat and are clearly finding the nutrition they need in Tennessee's winter habitat.

The recognition that a possible race of the Rufous Hummingbird species may be genetically programed to migrate to the southeastern United States is beginning to change our notion of hummingbirds and their winter hardiness.  Sargent believes, and his studies indicate, that successive generations of these Rufous hummingbirds are migrating and wintering in the eastern U.S. and that reports of their presence will increase with each season.

Presently, wintering areas seem to be in clusters of favored habitat and birders who report these wintering hummers seem to have successive winter arrivals of birds, both immature and adult. It is not certain what habitat qualities are attracting and sustaining them through the winter in Tennessee, but it is certain habitat selection is closely related to food sources.  Sap wells and insects attracted to sap wells are one known source of nutrients during cold months.  Additionally, as more and more birds are located and banded, we will begin to have a better understanding of the wintering habits of this species.

Female Rufous Hummingbirds are difficult to distinguish from the Allen's species that also have green backs and rufous in their tail feathers. Banders examine the tail feathers for the distinguishing shape and width of the feathers to confirm the identification.

Mark gives the hummer access to nectar before releasing it and she eagerly laps.  

Candy holds the bird for release.  Above and below, the hummer rests in Candy's hand until it recognizes that it is free to fly.  When it does fly, a few seconds later, it leaves with a loud chirp and wing buzzing.

We stayed to witness the hummer returning to the deck feeder for another drink. Candy has a clear view of the nectar feeder from her windows and will enjoy seeing this hummer visit her feeder as long as it remains in Tennessee.  By recording the date of the bird's arrival and the last time she sees it this winter, she will have an idea of when to begin watching for this Rufous female's return next fall.  Rufous Hummingbirds tend to return to the same wintering area year after year, as long as the habitat offers good food sources.

Next:  Another female Rufous in Johnson City, TN

Links and Resources:

Nov 11, 2013 report on Western Hummingbirds Wintering in Tennessee
In recent years, fourteen species of hummingbirds have been documented in the east during fall and winter months.  In east Tennessee, report sightings to Mark Armstrong at Woodthrush@bellsouth.net or 865-748-2224.  For a list of contact information for other eastern areas, visit winter reporting on the Hummingbird Study Group website or report sightings to Bob and Martha Sargent, Rubythroat@aol.com or 205-681-2888.
Other blog posts on Wintering hummingbirds in Tennessee
Visit Bob Sargent's information on wintering hummingbirds
Bob Sargent describes the Rufous Hummingbird as very cold-hardy.
Sargent on wintering Calliopes and the Allen's Hummingbird
Hummingbird banding
Hummingbirds in watercolor
Hummingbird art on Vickie's Sketchbook blog

A Hummer Encounters a Praying Mantis

This male ruby-throated hummingbird's behavior alerted me that something was happening beyond the usual hummingbirds advancing on his feeders.  He was turning his head from side to side far more frequently than typical for a hummer guard behavior.    

I continued to watch until he revealed the subject of his divided attention. In the image below, you can see a praying mantis on the dark leaf in the holly, just above and behind the hummer's head.  Praying mantis prey on hummingbirds.  I briefly considered moving it out of the holly, but decided I shouldn't interfere and, instead, watched to see what would happen. Needless to say, these weren't the most relaxing observations of hummer behavior I've experienced!   

The male-ruby throat ignored the praying mantis most of the time, but ever so often, the insect would get his attention--possibly with a movement--and the hummer would investigate.  This was a little un-nerving.  I've never seen a praying mantis strike its prey and I wasn't interested in seeing that happen.  On the other hand, I was glad to see that the hummer was aware and keeping track of the insect's behavior.

Below, the hummer leaves his perch and hovers near the mantis to get a closer look.

Soon after this interaction. while the hummer was away from his perch, the mantis traveled down the leaves to a limb below the hummers perching twig.     

The color of the praying mantis blended so completely into the hues of the holly, that even when I knew where he was, the insect was hard to find.  In the image below, he is located on the limb below the hummer's perch, hanging upside down, about in line with the hummer's beak.

The hummer continued to guard his feeders, but to my relief, he appeared very aware of the praying mantis. He discovered the mantis in his new location and investigated.  

Not yet bothered enough to give up his perferred limb, the hummer continued protecting his nectar source. Below, you see him perched on the holly twig with the praying mantis lurking underneath the limb below him.

The hummer dropped down to check him out several times.   Each time, I held my breath!

 Back to the perch again.

A closer look at the praying mantis as he hangs from the holly limb. Notice the sharp appendages on his legs.

Below, you see the hummer on his twig, and the mantis still below, but the insect has moved again. This time, he has crawled up even with the limb, holding on to leaves with his hind legs while keeping his front legs free. Each time the hummer lands on the twig it bends closer to the praying mantis, especially when perched on the lower end.

A closer view of the mantis' new position in the image below. It became clear to me at this point, if I had had any doubt before, that the mantis was stalking the hummingbird.  With each new position, the insect moved closer to the hummingbird.  I don't mind saying, watching this progression gave me the creeps!

The hummer returned to his twig perch briefly, but this time seemed disturbed by the mantis' new position. After several brief touch-downs followed by hovering, to my relief, he moved to a new perch!

Another reason to be totally amazed by the life and behavior of ruby-throated hummingbirds!

Links and resources:
For a quick look at how a preying mantis strikes its prey:  Perfect Predator
Hummingbirds and pollination
Hummingbird Banding
More posts on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on this blog
Hummingbird art at Vickie's Sketchbook

Hummingbirds, Pollination and Knoxville's Hummingbird Festival

From flower to flower, hummingbirds accidently carry pollen from one blossom to another.  The pollen sticks to their beak and feathers, and if the flower they visit next happens to be the same species, pollination occurs. 

This series of images tells one story of how that pollination happens.  The red flowers are cardinal flower blossoms and the stigma which releases the flower's pollen sits in a perfect place to rub against the hummingbirds crown as it nectars the flower.

The hummers feathers and the stigma rub against each other, and as the hummer backs out of the flower, the stigma is stimulated to release its pollen, shooting it out as if from a faucet.  

Below, a layer of pale yellow pollen covers the top of the hummer's head, ready to pollinate the next flower visited.

Hummingbirds are fascinating for many reasons.  Next to size and speed, pollination and migration are two of the intriguing qualities of these tiny birds.  On August 24th, when fall migration is at its peak in Tennessee, the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society is celebrating hummingbirds with the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival featuring hummingbird banding demonstrations by master bander, Mark Armstrong. The festival will also include expert speakers on hummingbirds and other nature topics, nature related vendors, great food, and, of course, I will be there exhibiting art, so come by and visit!

Links and Resources:
Wonder of Hummingbird Festival
Hummingbird Banding
Information about hummingbird gardening and taking care of your feeders below:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet

Swarming Hummingbirds Inspire Art

You won't be surprised that I think the most satisfying way to celebrate a joyful experience with a bird is to draw or paint that bird. That's just what seven-year-old Gail wanted to do, too, after having her close and exciting experience with the many hummingbirds that swarmed her Paris, TN, yard to visit feeders as a cold front was moving through.

I received Gail's permission to post her beautiful hummingbird drawing here, colored with Prisma watercolor pencils.

After I published the first post about her experience, "Swarming Hummingbirds Find a Special Perch", I thought about the patience it takes to wait for thirsty hummingbirds to settle down to perch before taking a drink.  When you watch the video you will see that Gail has that patience.  You will also see hummingbirds zipping all around her.  Even though there are five larger feeders, hummers still come to Gail and her small one-well feeder.  Her steady focus is rewarded.

Video credit:  Shawna Ellis

In Tennessee, hummingbirds more commonly trickle through our yards and stay so briefly that we don't see them unless we are sitting outside or watching through a window.  We seldom know how many are hidden among the tree limbs.  This is one of those special migration events that come rarely and unexpectedly when hummers advance on feeders in large numbers.  Gail's mother took the opportunity to offer Gail an unforgettable experience--her first time to be close to hummingbirds.  I am sure she will never forget it!

To see the first post about Gail's hummingbird experience visit:  Swarming Hummers Find a Special Perch

Visit the Discover Birds Blog to see how Knoxville's Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society is helping to inspire more children Gail's age to enjoy birds.

Links and Resources:

To see more hummingbird blog posts visit this link:  Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

To find more facts about hummingbirds visit the Hummer Bird Study Group

Swarming Hummingbirds Find a Special Perch

A cold front moved through Tennessee yesterday resulting in frost warnings in the east after having temps in the 80's just a day before.  At the same time, we have been enjoying the arrival of Ruby-throated hummingbirds that are either migrating through or here to settle into their breeding territories.  One of my male feeder visitors was already busy chasing away new arrivals this morning in the brisk 38 F degree air.

On our bird alert network, TNBird, I read a fun account of hummingbirds swarming to feeders in west Tennessee, April 19th.  Shawna Ellis returned to her home in Paris, TN, in the early evening, around 5:15 p.m,. to find her six nectar feeders swarming with hummingbirds and several of them empty.  She quickly filled the feeders and added two more.

Photo published with permission.  Photo by Shawna Ellis

Recalling her close encounters with hummers as a child, Shawna encouraged her seven year old daughter, Gail, to stand near the feeders.  Shawna describes Gail as "delighted in the exciting sensation of all the birds buzzing so near.  Tentatively she held out a finger and then she thrilled as a few different birds landed on it."    Gail is pictured above and below.

Photo published with permission.  Photo by Shawna Ellis.

There were six filled, larger feeders available near by when these photos were taken. Do you think it was the red coat that attracted the hummers to Gail and the small feeder next to her?

Many hours of observation lead me to believe that birds readily discern safety from danger and are far more observant than we sometimes give them credit. I like to think the hummers were attracted to Gail's innocent wonder and the special perch she was offering!

To see a video of Gail's experience visit Hummingbird Experience Inspires Art
Visit this link to see hummingbirds swarming to my feeders ahead of a front in September 2011.  To see more blog posts on hummingbirds visit this link.
Click this link to Bird and Blooms to see hummingbirds swarming to nectar feeders in Virginia after hurricane Irene moved through.

Hummers Swarming

When I arrived home from my office last evening, around 7:00, my feeders were swarming with hummingbirds.  I use that term both because of the large numbers, and the buzzing of that many wings all at once!  Amazing to experience in all aspects.

Three of the six feeders I had out were empty, so I quickly refilled them, then settled in a chair to watch the activity.  Hummers jockeyed for feeder position and then just as suddenly, settled quietly in groups of seven or more until the next addition came along disturbing the whole group.  A crisp gusting wind arrived along with the dimming light. We had a front coming through and the temperature had already dropped to 57 F, headed for around 52 F later.  And, while this is not terribly cold, it represents a considerable and sudden drop for this time of year in east Tennessee.

There were clearly more hummers converging on the feeders all at once than I had witnessed on any other evening this week.  I managed to catch as many as nine in some of the photos you see here, but there were more above and below the feeders than I could capture in one image.  Multiply that by six feeders, with at least four to six approaching and feeding on each, and you have an idea of the numbers I was seeing.

What a spectacle and a privilege.  Since the light was getting very low, I snapped a few images with the flash, thinking that I was probably accomplishing nothing.  But even though the color of the birds changed from their normal emerald green to gold, the images didn't turn out as bad as I initially thought.  I actually like the way the flash lit up their wings.  So, I'm sharing them with you just to give you a bit more of the experience.

The individual images you see below, were taken earlier in the week in better light conditions. I enjoy trying to capture flight images and will show these to you in another post. I use the images for art reference, useful even when they aren't so clear, but also because I enjoy seeing the magnification through the lens.  Sketching these birds while I watch is my next goal.  I think I'm close.  I've certainly watched them enough!

I've had one male at the feeders for the past few days that has a warning chirp considerably different from the others.  It sounds a bit like the rhythm of a chickadee call, but higher pitched.  In a synchronous moment, I managed to capture an image of him at the same time I heard his voice.  It wasn't until I looked at the image that I realized his lower beak is damaged, bent so that it doesn't completely close.

These are not exactly the details you want to see, but I comfort myself in seeing that he seems healthy and preened, and has done a fair job of establishing his place at the feeder, guarding from the top from time to time.  In fact, I've seen several males guarding from that position this season, maybe because of the heavy migration numbers.  This one was in the middle of all the fray.  I expect he, along with many others, said their goodbyes to this feeding station, and I'll be seeing a fresh group of faces with first light.