On 21 Mar 1997, Jerry Blinn wrote:

>
> I now wonder if the Rufous Hummingbirds time their northward migration to
> coincide with temperatures or day lengths that cause insect hatches that they
> can feed on - rather than just blossom availability.

The Rufous Hummers in Discovery Park in Seattle seem to return right about
when the Salmonberry is blooming. When they first arrive, the hummers
frequent the salmonberry bushes heavily. That's probably coincidence, as
I'm sure they rely on other plants (and insects) elsewhere.

Another hummer note - An Anna's female this year nested on the same branch
of the same bush where one nested last year, even though last year's nest
was removed after the hummer finished with it. Although one of the eggs
in this year's nest failed to hatch, the other youngster is mostly
feathered - it will be fledged within a week.

Just from their nesting schedule, I would guess the Anna's must feed their
young largely on insects. However, that might not be true in the case of
this nest - that particular female Anna's always seems to zip straight out
of the park towards suburban Magnolia when she comes off her nest. I bet
she's getting her "nectar" from a feeder.

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu