Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Questions on Hummingbirds

One of the places we stoped during our last travel was the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to spend some time with our friend Glenn.  I spent an afternoon with him during his volunteer time on the Oregon Dunes Overlook Loop Trail.  He showed me a place along the trail where the Rufus Hummingbirds could be seen everyday.  The above photo is a female Rufus at that very location.  We saw three birds there twice during our hike.  What they come to pick up on the trail there is a mystery. You can see small pieces in her bill.  Is it grains of sand?  If it is, what would be the purpose?  I don't think it would be used in nest construction, nor can I imagine its use in their diet. Is is small seeds?  Glen sees them every day and only in this location.  If any readers out there have an idea, please leave a comment.
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 20, 2016 at 9:02 PM

    It is just a guess, of course, but I think this female is harvesting ants or some other small insects. Lee

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  2. John WestApril 20, 2016 at 9:54 PM

    I saw an Anna's Hummingbird on the ground in the cactus garden at Lake Havasu State Park. It was harvesting tiny insects. Nice photo, Jim! Tell Glenn Hi, please.

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  3. John WestApril 20, 2016 at 9:55 PM

    I saw an Anna's Hummingbird on the ground in the cactus garden at Lake Havasu State Park. It was harvesting tiny insects. Nice photo, Jim! Tell Glenn Hi, please.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 20, 2016 at 10:53 PM

    Amazing picture! Im also interest in finding out what it is they are picking up.

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