Scientists Film Hummingbirds Flying Through Waterfalls, And It's Beautiful And Genius

[SheltieLover]

https://www.sciencealert.com/watch-the-genius-and-beautiful-way-hummingbirds-fly-through-waterfalls

TESSA KOUMOUNDOUROS
23 AUGUST 2020

For all the little creatures out there, falling water can be a big hazard. When water drops are a large percentage of your body size, you need clever adaptations to survive even commonly occurring phenomena such as rain. So even greater volumes of falling water, like a waterfall, may as well be a wall to delicate fliers.

But for some insects and small birds, this seemingly impenetrable barrier is surmountable. Several species of birds at least, make use of these natural barriers by tucking their nests safely behind the shimmering walls. Some are known to fly right through this plummeting liquid.

To get a better idea of how this works, researchers filmed hummingbirds passing through falling water. And were surprised at the clever and elegant way they tackle this obstacle.

As we can see below, most of the Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) in the experiment pushed through the water side on - using a leading wing to pierce the wet veil.

More at link.

[Sneederbunk]

1. Makes one question the intelligence of hummingbirds.

[asiliveandbreathe]

2. Interesting article..considering how hot and dry we have been in Arizona, I have had

to water each day, even though we have a drip, our little hummingbirds visit when I spray our plants in early morning flying through a fine mist ..just love watching them ..

Thanks for the link..

[SheltieLover]

3. Thx for sharing!

I'm new to feeding them & they never cease to amaze me!

I glanced out the window a few days ago during a heavy downpour, and there they were in all their magnificence - flying and feeding as if it were a clear, dry day.

I just love them!

So sorry to hear it has been so dry in your area. I'm glad you are able to water & that these magnificent creatures come to visit.

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. Thank you for sharing..we too have a couple hummingbird feeders..but due to the heat..we haven't

filled them..the water gets too hot..our monsoon just has not materialized to any extent..couple showers this week..but that is it..hubby feeds the quail fam in the morning..unusual to see as many as 7 babies still alive..not many coyotes lately..love watching them scoot ..