After an almost all-day rain on Monday, Tuesday dawned bright and clear and
beautiful in Teton Valley. The smoke is finally gone and the birds were out
in droves in my yard on Stateline Road. I had at least seventeen different
species and six different kinds of warblers including Yellow,
MacGillivray’s, Yellow-rumped, lots of Wilson’s and two totally unexpected
ones: American Redstart and a Northern Waterthrush! In the last ten years
I’ve seen those two only once before in the Valley, the other redstart also
in my yard. It was a thrilling morning for me. (I must admit that I didn’t
know the waterthrush was a warbler until my sister told me). I’ve also had
a couple Gray Catbirds in my yard for a week or so which is very unusual.
Interestingly enough, today, Wednesday, most of the birds are gone. I’ve
seen none of the warblers today but did hear a catbird.

Marya Moosman
Driggs

oops, I forgot what I had really intended to say! ouch

The reason I mentioned humPlants was to describe a five-year statewide hummingbird “survey” that several of us conducted in New Mexico, 1993-97. The way we encouraged participation was to mail interested folks a few standardized data sheets, along with packets of salvia and agastache seed, suggesting they complement their humfeeders with plants that attract hummers. We advertised this study in every NM newspaper we could find, and posted flyers in grocery stores, post offices, crazy places. We netted tons of data, almost too much data (if there is such a thing), which was analyzed and summarized by our statistician, and the results were mailed back to all of our participants. Sheri Williamson thanked us for our data, and said it was inspiration (in part) for the way she illustrated arrival dates, as clines/gradients, of our most common hummers (see pp 193, 198, 220, and 225 of her Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America, Houghton Mifflin, 2001).

That was fun, insightful, and very rewarding!! =)

Larry

—– Original Message —–

From: “LARRY ARNOLD”
To: “IBLE”
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 10:47:52 AM
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Hummingbirds – 2018 Summary

Me too, loving these hummerific conversations!

Feeding hums……. Our next door neighbor has a huge two-story trumpet vine clinging to his house and chimney (like we had in Albuquerque 20+ yrs ago), and next year I’m planning to expand our use of humPlants to include more salvias, agastache, and maybe trumpet vine if we can figure out where to put it. I’ve often thought that feeding hums with feeders is a bit of a chess match in order Not to have them controlled by individual Rufousoid monsters, so I park more feeders around the house in places that are not easily observed or managed from an air traffic control tower. Ha! Like that ever works…….. 😉

Questions for Heidi and Jessica….. Although maybe you’d prefer to answer offline? Wondering if you’ve netted any hums that were previously banded outside of Idaho, and from where? Also curious how many Anna’s you’ve banded over the years? Total number, and numbers by “year” (over-wintering, actually) if you have that info? Oldest birds, etc? Is there an IBO web page I can be checking for this info? Curious George, as always.

Questions for humFans……. Any guesses as to peak numbers at your feeders and plants, and when? We think our peak was a couple weeks ago with 25 +/- BCHU, 3 RUHU, and 1 CAHU. This is the most we’ve ever had here in our smallish west Boise yard.

Counting birds….. Numbers are often just an estimate, accompanied by a “significant” error bar, ja? Out on the Boise River Greenbelt near Eagle Rd early this morning in very low light, I was trying to count CONI (Common Nighthawks), which was almost impossible because of how quickly they move and swirl around, my vision was impeded in several directions by trees (not complaining, mind you!) and again, it was more dark than it was light. After about ten trial counts I settled on 12 CONI, although it appeared that some were showing up as others were leaving, and the show only lasted 14 minutes, 0647 – 0701 hrs. Regardless of number, what a Show!!! =)

Good boid’n,
Larry, west Boise

—– Original Message —–

From: “Kerry Fitzharris birderfitz@gmail.com [ible]” < ible-noreply@yahoogroups.com >
To: satuthill@cableone.net , ible@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 29 , 2018 9:11:11 AM
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Hummingbirds – 2018 Summary

Scott, I appreciated your reflection, so detailed and astute. My backyard with its three feeders were used heavily all summer. By heavily, I mean at least seven or eight blackchins a constant, and mid-summer, two rufous. Now, only females and juveniles of the former remain. My yard’s filled with trumpet vine and honeysuckle, and this year, had many tall zinnias and scarlet runner beans, which were both favorites for the hummers. The zinnias were stable enough for a hummer to sit on them as they got nectar, but the beans with their orangish-red flowers were so delicate, the hummers could only hover to enjoy them. Sounds corny, but it felt as though I had a group of fairies visiting my backyard all summer. So delightful.

On Aug 29 , 2018, at 8:22 AM, satuthill@cableone.net [ible] < ible-noreply@yahoogroups.com > wrote:

To add to the popular topic of hummingbirds, here are my observations from the North End/Highlands area of Boise.

First, going back to the start of the year my FOY hummers were in late April. There was one really early Black-chinned, around April 25 as I remember, then no more until May 1 st . A bit earlier than average but not remarkably so. What was different is that I did not see a single Calliope nor Rufous this year on their northbound trek. Normally a few pass through the yard, and maybe they did, but I never saw one. This is the first year I can remember this happening.

We had two Black-chinned nests in the yard this year. One nest was used for a second year in a row. It would be fascinating to know whether it was the same bird that used it in 2017. This nest I know had two young and the other nest had one. Whether they successfully fledged I don’t know as we were out of town for long periods this summer. In both cases the young were there when we left town but were not there when we returned. What was interesting was the timing difference between the two nests. I would say the nest with two young was about 20 days earlier than the nest with one young.

Now returning to today , clearly, we are in period of where big changes are going on. Male Black-chinned were the first to go.. Numbers started decreasing noticeably about 10 days ago and I saw my last one three days ago. The only Black-chinned coming into the feeders are now females and/or juveniles. Their numbers have decreased noticeable the last couple of days as well. My sense is they are mostly juveniles as they have bright white underparts.. I won’t claim to be an expert on separating females and juveniles, but it just seems that way. Also, finally in the last 2-3 days there have been a few Calliope’s and a Rufous or two coming into the feeders.

Based on past experience I expect hummingbird numbers to be almost zero in another 10 days. Usually by the end of the first week in September they are gone. It is sad we only get to enjoy them for a bit more than 4 months a year. But, it sure is fun while they are here.

Scott

I agree with you, Brian…… expecting a crazy (upside down?) fall migration for reasons you mention, as well as other variables I haven’t yet imagined, and maybe can’t imagine!
Hey, thanks again for all of your fun postings about our smallest feathered beasties, the hums. =)
Larry

—– Original Message —–

From: “lcarrigan_55@yahoo.com [ible]”
To: ible@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 11:18:22 AM
Subject: [IBLE] Peak Hummingbird Time 2018

Pending an unforeseen rush of some hummers that may not have come through as of yet, I figure my peak was about 7 days ago. Numbers-wise, I saw as many Rufous as Black-chinneds this year. At various times, I was able to count 6-7 of each visiting the feeders. Next, most numerous, would be the Calliope (4 at once) of which 2 are still present. And a single Broad-tailed this year, several weeks ago.

I’m curious now, as to how the Fall Warbler migration will pan out. I believe the combination of record-setting sustained heat & wildfires this summer have thrown “regular migration” patterns out the window for this year.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Pending an unforeseen rush of some hummers that may not have come through as of yet, I figure my peak was about 7 days ago. Numbers-wise, I saw as many Rufous as Black-chinneds this year. At various times, I was able to count 6-7 of each visiting the feeders. Next, most numerous, would be the Calliope (4 at once) of which 2 are still present. And a single Broad-tailed this year, several weeks ago.

I’m curious now, as to how the Fall Warbler migration will pan out. I believe the combination of record-setting sustained heat & wildfires this summer have thrown “regular migration” patterns out the window for this year.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Me too, loving these hummerific conversations!

Feeding hums……. Our next door neighbor has a huge two-story trumpet vine clinging to his house and chimney (like we had in Albuquerque 20+ yrs ago), and next year I’m planning to expand our use of humPlants to include more salvias, agastache, and maybe trumpet vine if we can figure out where to put it. I’ve often thought that feeding hums with feeders is a bit of a chess match in order Not to have them controlled by individual Rufousoid monsters, so I park more feeders around the house in places that are not easily observed or managed from an air traffic control tower. Ha! Like that ever works…….. 😉

Questions for Heidi and Jessica….. Although maybe you’d prefer to answer offline? Wondering if you’ve netted any hums that were previously banded outside of Idaho, and from where? Also curious how many Anna’s you’ve banded over the years? Total number, and numbers by “year” (over-wintering, actually) if you have that info? Oldest birds, etc? Is there an IBO web page I can be checking for this info? Curious George, as always.

Questions for humFans……. Any guesses as to peak numbers at your feeders and plants, and when? We think our peak was a couple weeks ago with 25 +/- BCHU, 3 RUHU, and 1 CAHU. This is the most we’ve ever had here in our smallish west Boise yard.

Counting birds….. Numbers are often just an estimate, accompanied by a “significant” error bar, ja? Out on the Boise River Greenbelt near Eagle Rd early this morning in very low light, I was trying to count CONI (Common Nighthawks), which was almost impossible because of how quickly they move and swirl around, my vision was impeded in several directions by trees (not complaining, mind you!) and again, it was more dark than it was light. After about ten trial counts I settled on 12 CONI, although it appeared that some were showing up as others were leaving, and the show only lasted 14 minutes, 0647 – 0701 hrs. Regardless of number, what a Show!!! =)

Good boid’n,
Larry, west Boise

—– Original Message —–

From: “Kerry Fitzharris birderfitz@gmail.com [ible]”
To: satuthill@cableone.net, ible@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 9:11:11 AM
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Hummingbirds – 2018 Summary

Scott, I appreciated your reflection, so detailed and astute. My backyard with its three feeders were used heavily all summer. By heavily, I mean at least seven or eight blackchins a constant, and mid-summer, two rufous. Now, only females and juveniles of the former remain. My yard’s filled with trumpet vine and honeysuckle, and this year, had many tall zinnias and scarlet runner beans, which were both favorites for the hummers. The zinnias were stable enough for a hummer to sit on them as they got nectar, but the beans with their orangish-red flowers were so delicate, the hummers could only hover to enjoy them. Sounds corny, but it felt as though I had a group of fairies visiting my backyard all summer. So delightful.

On Aug 29, 2018, at 8:22 AM, satuthill@cableone.net [ible] < ible-noreply@yahoogroups.com > wrote:

To add to the popular topic of hummingbirds, here are my observations from the North End/Highlands area of Boise.

First, going back to the start of the year my FOY hummers were in late April. There was one really early Black-chinned, around April 25 as I remember, then no more until May 1 st . A bit earlier than average but not remarkably so. What was different is that I did not see a single Calliope nor Rufous this year on their northbound trek. Normally a few pass through the yard, and maybe they did, but I never saw one. This is the first year I can remember this happening.

We had two Black-chinned nests in the yard this year. One nest was used for a second year in a row. It would be fascinating to know whether it was the same bird that used it in 2017. This nest I know had two young and the other nest had one. Whether they successfully fledged I don’t know as we were out of town for long periods this summer. In both cases the young were there when we left town but were not there when we returned. What was interesting was the timing difference between the two nests. I would say the nest with two young was about 20 days earlier than the nest with one young.

Now returning to today, clearly, we are in period of where big changes are going on. Male Black-chinned were the first to go.. Numbers started decreasing noticeably about 10 days ago and I saw my last one three days ago. The only Black-chinned coming into the feeders are now females and/or juveniles.. Their numbers have decreased noticeable the last couple of days as well. My sense is they are mostly juveniles as they have bright white underparts. I won’t claim to be an expert on separating females and juveniles, but it just seems that way. Also, finally in the last 2-3 days there have been a few Calliope’s and a Rufous or two coming into the feeders.

Based on past experience I expect hummingbird numbers to be almost zero in another 10 days. Usually by the end of the first week in September they are gone. It is sad we only get to enjoy them for a bit more than 4 months a year. But, it sure is fun while they are here.

Scott

Scott, I appreciated your reflection, so detailed and astute. My backyard with its three feeders were used heavily all summer. By heavily, I mean at least seven or eight blackchins a constant, and mid-summer, two rufous. Now, only females and juveniles of the former remain. My yard’s filled with trumpet vine and honeysuckle, and this year, had many tall zinnias and scarlet runner beans, which were both favorites for the hummers. The zinnias were stable enough for a hummer to sit on them as they got nectar, but the beans with their orangish-red flowers were so delicate, the hummers could only hover to enjoy them. Sounds corny, but it felt as though I had a group of fairies visiting my backyard all summer. So delightful.

> On Aug 29, 2018, at 8:22 AM, satuthill@cableone.net [ible] wrote:
>
>
> To add to the popular topic of hummingbirds, here are my observations from the North End/Highlands area of Boise.
>
> First, going back to the start of the year my FOY hummers were in late April. There was one really early Black-chinned, around April 25 as I remember, then no more until May 1st. A bit earlier than average but not remarkably so. What was different is that I did not see a single Calliope nor Rufous this year on their northbound trek. Normally a few pass through the yard, and maybe they did, but I never saw one. This is the first year I can remember this happening.
>
> We had two Black-chinned nests in the yard this year. One nest was used for a second year in a row. It would be fascinating to know whether it was the same bird that used it in 2017. This nest I know had two young and the other nest had one. Whether they successfully fledged I don’t know as we were out of town for long periods this summer. In both cases the young were there when we left town but were not there when we returned. What was interesting was the timing difference between the two nests. I would say the nest with two young was about 20 days earlier than the nest with one young.
>
> Now returning to today, clearly, we are in period of where big changes are going on. Male Black-chinned were the first to go. Numbers started decreasing noticeably about 10 days ago and I saw my last one three days ago. The only Black-chinned coming into the feeders are now females and/or juveniles. Their numbers have decreased noticeable the last couple of days as well. My sense is they are mostly juveniles as they have bright white underparts.. I won’t claim to be an expert on separating females and juveniles, but it just seems that way. Also, finally in the last 2-3 days there have been a few Calliope’s and a Rufous or two coming into the feeders.
>
> Based on past experience I expect hummingbird numbers to be almost zero in another 10 days. Usually by the end of the first week in September they are gone. It is sad we only get to enjoy them for a bit more than 4 months a year. But, it sure is fun while they are here.
>
> Scott
>
>
>
>
>

To add to the popular topic of hummingbirds, here are my observations from the North End/Highlands area of Boise.

First, going back to the start of the year my FOY hummers were in late April. There was one really early Black-chinned, around April 25 as I remember, then no more until May 1st. A bit earlier than average but not remarkably so. What was different is that I did not see a single Calliope nor Rufous this year on their northbound trek. Normally a few pass through the yard, and maybe they did, but I never saw one. This is the first year I can remember this happening.

We had two Black-chinned nests in the yard this year. One nest was used for a second year in a row. It would be fascinating to know whether it was the same bird that used it in 2017. This nest I know had two young and the other nest had one. Whether they successfully fledged I don’t know as we were out of town for long periods this summer. In both cases the young were there when we left town but were not there when we returned. What was interesting was the timing difference between the two nests. I would say the nest with two young was about 20 days earlier than the nest with one young.

Now returning to today, clearly, we are in period of where big changes are going on. Male Black-chinned were the first to go. Numbers started decreasing noticeably about 10 days ago and I saw my last one three days ago. The only Black-chinned coming into the feeders are now females and/or juveniles. Their numbers have decreased noticeable the last couple of days as well. My sense is they are mostly juveniles as they have bright white underparts. I won’t claim to be an expert on separating females and juveniles, but it just seems that way. Also, finally in the last 2-3 days there have been a few Calliope’s and a Rufous or two coming into the feeders.

Based on past experience I expect hummingbird numbers to be almost zero in another 10 days. Usually by the end of the first week in September they are gone. It is sad we only get to enjoy them for a bit more than 4 months a year. But, it sure is fun while they are here.

Scott