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Protocol for studying hummingbirds K-12 Informal Science Education Program
Developed by: Dr. Nancy E. McIntyre
Background info on hummers and feeders Hummingbirds are lively birds that are ideal for studies of urbanization because they are common and attracted to feeders that humans erect and to flowers that humans plant around their houses. There are several species that occur in the Phoenix area, primarily the Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds; other hummers are encountered infrequently but may pass through the Phoenix area during migration. The sexes of any hummingbird species can be distinguished because males are brightly colored whereas females are dull-colored. Males of different species can be distinguished with some practice, using a field guide to birds. Females of different species, on the other hand, are practically impossible to distinguish. Hopefully, you and your students will become intrigued by these fascinating animals and learn more about them.
A male Black-chinned Hummingbird, a species commonly seen in
Phoenix Hummingbird feeders may be purchased at discount stores and gardening stores for about $4 apiece. Fill feeders with a water and white granulated sugar (regular table sugar) solution (1 part sugar to either 3 or 4 parts hot water). Dissolve sugar completely in hot water and then allow solution to cool before filling feeder. Using home-made sugar water is preferred over using a store-bought mix because mixes contain artificial chemical additives. Do NOT use honey--hummers can't digest honey! Clean feeders using soap and hot water and replace the sugar water every third day.
Tips on observing hummingbirds Put up feeders at least three days prior to making observations. This gives the hummers time to find the feeders. Sit quietly for about five minutes to let hummers get used to your presence. After this getting-to-know-you period, observe hummingbird behavior in 10-minute blocks. Practice observing and identifying hummers several times until you and your students are very comfortable with the procedure.
Ideas for studies These studies may be conducted at schools as well as at students' homes. Results may be compared among schools, between schools and homes, and among homes. These results may give us an idea of differences in the distribution and behavior of hummingbirds in different parts of Phoenix. Therefore, it is important that methodologies are standardized across schools and that they are easily repeatable during different class periods and years. Try to have your students come up with other ideas for studies! We have lots to learn about hummingbirds!
1. What kinds of animals other than hummingbirds use hummingbird feeders?
You might ask your students to predict what other types of animals (birds, insects)
they might see at hummingbird feeders and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing what other sorts of animals might visit their yards, both because
they are interested in attracting a diversity of wildlife as well as trying to avoid
wasps, bees, etc. that they might be allergic to.
2. Hourly observations: Do hummingbirds behave differently at different times of day?
You might ask your students to predict when the hummers will be most active and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing what is the best time of day to observe hummers as well as
knowing when they can clean the feeders without disturbing the birds very much.
3. Monthly observations: Do hummingbirds behave differently during different seasons?
You might ask your students to predict what time of year hummers will be most active and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing what is the best time of year to observe hummers.
4. Different sugar-water concentrations: Is aggression mediated by resource quality?
You might ask your students to predict under what resource circumstances hummers might
be most aggressive and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing how to minimize conflicts at their feeders.
5. Feeder aggregation : Is aggression mediated by resource density?
You might ask your students to predict under what resource circumstances hummers might
be most aggressive and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing how to minimize conflicts at their feeders.
6. Field trip: How does hummingbird density and diversity differ with habitat?
You might ask your students to predict where they expect to see the most types and
numbers of hummers and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing what sorts of resources hummers need and how they can otherwise
landscape their yards to be hummingbird-friendly.
7. Field trip: Do hummingbirds prefer native or exotic vegetation?
You might ask your students to predict whether hummers will like native or non-native
flowers and why.
Materials:
Methods:
Implications: homeowners who want to attract hummingbirds to their yards would be
interested in knowing what types of flowers they can plant to attract hummers.
8. Long-term habitat restoration: Can we attract hummingbirds to our school?
Given the information you've collected above and from other reading you've done, how
might you create hummingbird habitat at your school? Design and create such habitat!
A male Rufous Hummingbird, a migrant that passes through the Phoenix area
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