The hummingbird had to run to each flower picking up a nectar along the way. The rest of the children who represented stellar jays and crows stood at a cone close by. We set up some flowers in a circle each with some nectar inside. There are quite a few predators that would enjoy a We had a few children that tried to absorb their water through their tongues to much mess but lots of giggles. We also checked out their tongue exploring how the nectar is absorbed using a tissue and water to show how the tongue sucks up the nectar. We used one of our hummingbirds to explore how the birds beak is adapted to fit We went off to try and spot some of these plants, the children soon spotting some flowering red currents. Colours that attract the hummingbird are red, pink and purple. Trumpet shaped flowers like flowering red currents are an excellent source of food. We explored the various flowers that attract hummingbirds discussing the shape and colour. Equivalent to each of the children making their way through 200 burgers in a day.
On an average day they can visit up to 1000 flowers and eat over 100 insects. The bird has a very high metabolism and needs to spend the day eating. The tiny legs are used for perching as they cannot walk or hop but can scoot sideways when perching. A very giggly display of backward flight took place!ģ0% of their body is made up of muscle, they only weigh as much as a 5 cent coin. The wing joints are very similar to human joints at the shoulder which enable this beautiful little bird to fly backwards, hover sideways and even head upside down. These little birds beat their wings up to 40-50 times per SECOND! Of course we had to try this out to much giggling and wiggling arms. I had brought along a male and female specimens for the children to explore. We focused our attention on the life cycle of the Annas. Annas hummingbirds stay year round but the Rufous appears in late February and leaves again in August to make the trek back down the coast to warmer climates. We have two species of hummingbirds, the Anna and Rufous. Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas. Hummingbirds were stars of the day and after a swing and a climb we settled down to explore these amazing creatures.
Our senses were awakened with the colours and smells of spring. The forest is beginning to wake up after our long winter. We had a great time in the forest last Tuesday.
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