February 15, 2009
Hummingbird tales
The Hummingbird chicks made their debut yesterday; in this shot you can see a piece of the shell still on the chick's right eyelid.
I think you can make out the edge of the yolk sack on the far left of the chick's body; it and its sibling were slowly moving around the nest when I peered in.
When I emerged from the side of the house, I found the backyard deserted, all the birds gone. All but one. The hawk had returned, moving from the fence to a tree while I watched. Suddenly, the Hummingbird zipped out from its nest and took up a position, hovering in the middle of the backyard.
The Hummingbird positioned itself between the hawk, sitting in the Golden Raintree, and the nest containing its chicks, seemingly taunting the raptor, who was likely considering if such a small bird was worth its time and effort. I found myself growing anxious at the prospect of the newborn chicks becoming orphans. When the Hummingbird dove down and headed for the bushes, I decided it was time to alter the dynamic and began walking toward the hawk; it decided things were getting too unpredictable and took off, powerful wings lifting it quickly out of sight.
Posted by Mike Lief at February 15, 2009 01:59 PM
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Comments
You anti-Darwinist, you!
If you are insisting on altering nature's ways, I would rig an anti-climber a couple of feet below the nest.
Posted by: The Little Coach at February 15, 2009 03:38 PM
That's a fine specimen of a Merlin you've got there (really a falcon, not a hawk). She probably won't turn her nose up at an easy meal, but they usually grab other birds in flight. The best way to keep her away from those hummingbird chicks? Judging from how close your photos are, I'd say number 8 shot in an 18" barrel. Unless you live in the city, in which case "Hell's Bells" by AC/DC ought to do it.
Posted by: Huff at February 15, 2009 06:24 PM
Hawks are one of many predators of hummingbirds. Hawks and other birds have been documented catching hummingbirds. Many people have observed hummingbirds pursuing or confronting a hawk, most probably in defense of a nest. The female hummingbird will take on the hawk, regardless of the size difference, in order to protect the young fledglings.
Posted by: Zoe Ann Hinds at February 16, 2009 03:12 PM