Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?

[QRTRHRS]

As darkness sets in, my numbers drop off even with the dusk/dawn light on a power pole about fifty feet from the feeders.

Cardinals are one of the earliest and latest feeders.

 

[Duds13]

Do HB's feed after dark and before dawn? I have seen birds at the window feeder before dawn and after dark so now wonder if that's a common thing. Anyone know?

Mine feed all day, but the recent crazy activity has been happening early morning and evening.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Mine feed all day, but the recent crazy activity has been happening early morning and evening.

Same here, i.e. flocks throughout the day but seemingly none during the night. I don't know, but I do believe, they must lower thier metabolism during the dark hours. So, in summary, I suspect they don't feed at night unless they have a real hunger problem.
Hopefully we'll see a HB expert on here to clarify that unknown question.

 

[kenmbz]

Same here, i.e. flocks throughout the day but seemingly none during the night. I don't know, but I do believe, they must lower thier metabolism during the dark hours. So, in summary, I suspect they don't feed at night unless they have a real hunger problem.
Hopefully we'll see a HB expert on here to clarify that unknown question.

Most birds don't fly at night unless in danger.

 

[ponytug]

Same here, i.e. flocks throughout the day but seemingly none during the night. I don't know, but I do believe, they must lower thier metabolism during the dark hours. So, in summary, I suspect they don't feed at night unless they have a real hunger problem.
Hopefully we'll see a HB expert on here to clarify that unknown question.

Yes, hummingbirds go into a mild form of hibernation overnight called torpor, with greatly reduced metabolism. So, no, they aren't flying when it is dark outside, though twilight is a great time for them to feed upon bugs, which contain protein and fats, needed by the hummingbirds.

All the best, Peter

 

[Larry Caldwell]

We see this behavior all the time. Hummingbirds are quite territorial.

It depends on the species. Rufous roosters are fighters, Annas are more peaceful.

 

[John0829]

Here the females are as much a fighter as the males are, in fact many of them tend to instigate more than the males. It is fun to watch though.