Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!ucsd!ucsdhub!hp-sdd!ncr-sd!palomar!donnam
From: donnam@palomar.SanDiego.NCR.COM (Donna Mitchell)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Hummers: What is it they are doing?!!!
Message-ID: <2562@ncr-sd.SanDiego.NCR.COM>
Date: 28 Feb 90 16:06:57 GMT
Sender: news@ncr-sd.SanDiego.NCR.COM
Reply-To: donnam@palomar.SanDiego.NCR.COM (Donna Mitchell)
Distribution: na
Organization: NCR Corporation, Rancho Bernardo
Lines: 16

Well, the little jewels of the sky are in abundance once again!  Annas
never leave, but the Allens are back.  Rufous should be here any day (they
show up about the same time as Orioles).

But, a question:  Over the years I have noticed this aerobatic trick that
the hummers do:  They fly straight up in the air...very high.  Then, drop
straight back to earth (wings tucked in), and at the last moment swoop
back upwards and make a wistle-pop sound.  (It's like making a big "J")
They continue this for about 20 minutes at a time, or until another
hummer drives them off.  I think all of these aerobatic daredevils are
male, but not 100% sure.  Any ideas what they are doing?!!!

It is enjoyable to watch, but I do get concerned about getting hit in the 
head.  They have come close a couple of times.  (Damage to me would
be insignificant; but I'd hate to walk around with this bird stuck 
into the side of my head.)