My very first story ever posted here on 10,000 Birds was about the interesting habit of our local Costa’s Hummingbirds, using the sailboats in Marina Palmira, here in La Paz, Mexico for nesting sites. Each and every one of these boats have a myriad of lines, rigging and other places to establish their new nest. Ever since that first year, the number of nesting Costa’s on boats has multiplied. Each new brood, having been born in the marina, have tended to return to the same area that their parents have chosen. This year we have at least 5 nests that have either been started or completed, and so far three broods have hatched. At least that is all I have been able to find, as you might guess they tend to hide them very well.

The down side of using a boat as a nesting site, is that the sites are quite mobile, and their owners use them every now and then. This can lead to some interesting attitudes with regard to the fact that a new family is in the works, on the very expensive toy they plan on taking out to use. For the most part, the hummingbirds tend to choose boats that are rarely if ever occupied, and so there for never move. More than a few times I have had to try to convince the owners to put off a fishing or sailing trip for a week or so, in order for the babies to fledge. As some of you might remember, I even went so far as to move a nest from one boat to another https://www.10000birds.com/the-great-hummingbird-nest-heist.htm with excellent results.

Below are the few of the locations that have been chosen to build on.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Tom Brown
Tom Brown grew up in the high desert area of central Oregon. His love for birds and photography started at a young age. Thru the course of time, travel, and a lot of different occupations, he ended up living in Seattle, and met a girl with a sailboat. When he is not scouring whatever area they are in, looking for the next great bird photo, he can be found trying to earn enough money for the next adventure, and of course, a new lens or camera body! Having been nick-named “The Bird Nerd” by his last remaining friends and family, Tom continues search for that next lifer, and the accompanying photo that goes with it. Find his continuing adventures, photographs, and guiding opportunities at Focus on Feathers.