How interesting, I wonder if this is a natural behavior at the nest.
After being feed, heads up and stretched out to receive the food, the young
relax. In their overcrowded small nest they might lean back, supported in
part by nest. Here with no support it inverts. At least it hangs on. Has
anyone had the rare opportunity to watch a nest? Nancy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Solon Rhode" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 7:08 AM
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] hanging hummer, partial explanation


> Last evening my wife was able to observe this hummer return to the feeder
> and assume the upside down position. At first, it perched and fed in the
> usual fashion. Then an adult appeared and hovering by the first bird,
> which
> is most definitely a fledgling, pecked it on the head. Whereupon, the
> young
> bird put its heat up,opened its beak, and the adult appeared to feed it.
> It
> then leaned backwards even more until it was in a horizontal position for
> some moments and finally gradually lowered itself to the upside down
> position. I can't say whether fledglings being fed by the adults routinely
> do this or not, as this is the first time I have observed hummers feeding
> young.
> Solon Rhode
> Shaftsbury, VT
>