Hi Tweeters!
I have been seeing a female Rufous Hummingbird at my new feeder regularly. It's been fun to watch it and observe its behavior, especially perched on the branches of the pine next to my apartment balcony.
Today I was able to follow it visually to the alders on the nearby hillside for the first time. Until now, it almost always disappeared into the same opening in the foliage.
I saw it go to a different opening, lined my scope up and was able to watch it at work. It was hovering at the branches, moving frequently, apparently picking at objects unknown to me.
These alders are heavy with lichens. I thought it might be harvesting t hem forr its nest. It also occurred to me t hat it was hunting insects for dinner. Both?
Thanks!
Michael Brown
Puyallup,WA
MBEB1215 at delphi.com