I am willing to accept that this small bird beats its wings 70 times per second while in flight; actually, it is more that I accept that someone somehow somewhere measured the wings beating and came up with this figure; but I can't say I really believe it. I can only count to seven in a second, for goodness sake, and that is counting really fast!
However, I challenge the statement that hummingbirds do not need a perch on a freeder as they eat while on the wing. Maybe they do not need a perch but I feel they appreciate one when it is provided. And maybe they benefit from perches. Think of all the energy saved; wing beats per second is impressive no matter what the number! (Hmmm, wonder if any flowers have a natural perch. And if so has anyone studied hummers' preference for such.)
This is the first feeder I have had with a perch. This is the first time I have been able to watch a hummingbird eating while not whirling its wings.
It sits. It looks around. It takes a drink or two. It stares off into the distance. Takes a long drink. Catches sight of me. Tilts its head. Eats a bit more. Shimmers in the sun.
I plan to only have feeders with perches from now on.
Speaking of birds, I just came home from an evening stroll and I discovered a round ball of fluff by the curb. It turned out to be a baby robin who did not seem able to fly. Two more ladies stopped to observe the baby robin. The squawking of the adult robins overhead was very loud and as we all looked up we counted over 6 adult robins. So one of the ladies gently picked up the baby robin and carried it to a safe spot away from the road. I never realized that so many adults care for one baby robin. Did you?
Posted by: modmissy | June 16, 2011 at 06:53 PM
No, I did not. I had an idea crows do but not robins. Hope the parents .... aunts and uncles ..... rescued it!
Posted by: karen | June 16, 2011 at 07:33 PM
I agree with having perches for the hummingbirds - though they don't always use it. I think it is a nice option for them to rest awhile - as I sometimes wonder if what they are eating from the feeder while 'on the wing' even matches their output.
Posted by: Terri | June 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Hello Terri
You have increased my knowledge by saying they don't always use the perch. Hmmm. Any idea why not? Girth control? I once experimented with standing up to eat and found this improved the posture and the digestion; the comfort of being seated prompted a return to being seated ..... sitting up straight.
Posted by: karen | June 18, 2011 at 03:04 PM
The hummers that visit our feeders vary between using the perch and just hovering. I have some tomato cages nearby now and they will perch on that for a few moments before flitting on to another spot.
Posted by: Crafty Gardener | June 20, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Morning Linda
Have you formed any opinions from your observations as to why they choose perching or hovering? I have only the single feeder out at the moment with a perch and the perch is always used. So I am curious as to comparisons.
Posted by: karen | June 20, 2011 at 09:19 AM