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Hummingbird ingestion of low-concentration ethanol within artificial nectar
Posted by Douglas douglas@hummingbirdmarket.com on
Abstract Both frugivores and nectarivores are potentially exposed to dietary ethanol produced by fermentative yeasts which metabolize sugars. Some nectarivorous mammals exhibit a preference for low-concentration ethanol solutions compared to controls of comparable caloric content, but behavioural responses to ethanol by nectar-feeding birds are unknown. We investigated dietary preference by Anna's Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) for ethanol-enhanced sucrose solutions. Via repeated binary-choice experiments, three adult male hummingbirds were exposed to sucrose solutions containing 0%, 1% or 2% ethanol; rates of volitional nectar consumption were measured over a 3 h interval. Hummingbirds did not discriminate between 0% and 1% ethanol solutions, but...
Bats at Hummingbird Feeders
Posted by Douglas Everett on
Are your hummingbird feeders being drained at night? Great, you are indeed helping endangered species. Most of Arizona's 28 bat species eat insects, but the federally endangered Lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), and the Arizona species of concern Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana), drink nectar from hummingbird feeders, and also eat pollen and fruits from plants such as the saguaro and agave. The bats migrate north from Mexico and arrive in southern Arizona as the Saguaro cactus and agave begin to bloom, traveling throughout southern Arizona and then they return south in the fall. In the fall I usually remove...
- Tags: bats, bats at hummingbird feeders
Flower Robbers
Posted by Douglas douglas@hummingbirdmarket.com on
Short beaks and and big feet https://www.science.org/content/article/some-hummingbirds-are-flower-robbers-here-s-how-spot-them
Where have all the hummingbirds gone?
Posted by Douglas douglas@hummingbirdmarket.com on
From San Diego Union Tribute https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2023-05-13/column-many-asking-where-have-all-the-orioles-and-hummingbirds-gone
Hummingbird Banding Training Workshop
Posted by Douglas douglas@hummingbirdmarket.com on
The Hummingbird Conservation Network is offering a 2023 Hummingbird Banding Training Workshop Location: AMNH Southwestern Research Station, Portal, Arizona When: August 19-29, 2023 Activity Level: Practical/ hands-on Accommodations: Lodging and three meals a day included. Price: $1,900 Deadline To Apply: June 2nd North America Banding Council 2019 North American Banding Councils Hummingbird Banders Manual Hummingbird Appendices Bird Banding Laboratory
- Tags: banding