Some of the happiest years in my life were spent helping Kelly Bryan band hummingbirds. At the time, it was quite hard work, so I didn't appreciate it as much as I wish I had. Kind of like raising my children. How I wish I had appreciated those treasured times more. And the older I get, the more time I spend in remembering.
Recently, Kelly and his lovely wife Donna, were passing through our area to a bander's convention in Arizona from their current residence in Rockport. I hadn't seen him in seven years or more. Wonderful friends were able to put together a get-to-gether last night. It was so great! As usual, I learn so much from Kelly! He's in the process of publishing his scientific work on Lucifer Hummingbirds.
We briefly discussed the interesting fact that a few Lucifers migrate, and start nesting in March (at least at the oasis), but the majority come and nest in May. It's my belief that we're glimpsing a snapshot of evolution in progress. There are three possible outcomes, as I see it. (1) Either the early, or the late nesters, will eventually fail and die out; (2) One, or both, waves of nesters will die out; (3) Both will flourish and may become separate species eventually. Currently, the late nesters appear to be the most successful. Maybe the early nesters will prevail during global warming.*
Early next week, Michael Dory is coming back to help with some chores. We hope to put a couple more patches on the big hill. I'm so grateful to him, and all my wonderful supportive friends.
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Hummingbirds are surging through the area now, so I need to get back to the oasis tomorrow to service feeders. When I was down there a few days ago all feeders were empty. No migrants! Unacceptable!
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* According to AI info, the earth is currently in an ice age's warm gap called interglacial. For 80-90% of earth's history the entire planet has been ice-free! Astonishingly, at least a couple of times the whole earth has been covered with ice.
