Unacceptable Rypstra
202 (2) Fledgling
An Anna's Hummingbird fledgling stretching it's wings (Tsehum Harbour, BC). This was taken the same day as yesterdays upload.
I noticed something this day and wondered if it was a pattern. I confirmed the pattern the next time I checked on the nest (photo to come). The female Anna's feeds the chicks in the nest. Once done, she immediately sits on them to warm them up (the days have been chilly). After 10 min. or so, she leaves. When she returns, she searches out and feeds her fledgling (above), with much chattering from both. (Though I caught the feeding, my settings were a bit off, and they were deep in the bushes...I didn't capture anything worth sharing). When the female returns, she once again feeds the chicks in the nest.
I know it is the same female, for her mate is sitting atop a tree to the left of the nest, singing his territorial song. This fledgling was hiding in the bushes between the nest and the male.
Anna's Hummingbirds have been known to start breeding in December. I have heard males perform their courtship dive in January. The female makes 2-3 consecutive nests, as the season progresses. There is at least one record of 4 consecutive nests being built. She will often start making the new nest before the chicks have fledged out of the previous one, and may even pirate material from the earlier nest to make the new one.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.
202 (2) Fledgling
An Anna's Hummingbird fledgling stretching it's wings (Tsehum Harbour, BC). This was taken the same day as yesterdays upload.
I noticed something this day and wondered if it was a pattern. I confirmed the pattern the next time I checked on the nest (photo to come). The female Anna's feeds the chicks in the nest. Once done, she immediately sits on them to warm them up (the days have been chilly). After 10 min. or so, she leaves. When she returns, she searches out and feeds her fledgling (above), with much chattering from both. (Though I caught the feeding, my settings were a bit off, and they were deep in the bushes...I didn't capture anything worth sharing). When the female returns, she once again feeds the chicks in the nest.
I know it is the same female, for her mate is sitting atop a tree to the left of the nest, singing his territorial song. This fledgling was hiding in the bushes between the nest and the male.
Anna's Hummingbirds have been known to start breeding in December. I have heard males perform their courtship dive in January. The female makes 2-3 consecutive nests, as the season progresses. There is at least one record of 4 consecutive nests being built. She will often start making the new nest before the chicks have fledged out of the previous one, and may even pirate material from the earlier nest to make the new one.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.