Humming bird nectar level

[geneP]

I know y'all will think I have WAY too little to worry about, and you're probably right. But as I watch my humming bird feeder at various times during the day the level of the nectar in the glass reservoir will fluctuate up and down as much as an inch. Who among this vast, diverse group can tell me why it does it?

 

[3RRL]

Hmmm...
That's an interesting observation. I have not noticed that on ours? I'd better pay more attention to it?

 

[DocHeb]

Combination of barometric pressure and heat expansion of the air (which will be greater than the expansion of the fluid).

 

[Henro]

I'm sure DocHeb has the answer...

... but thought I would add that I've noticed that such behavior in liquids is not limited to humming bird feeders.

Similar things happen around here, especially on hot days, when liquid refreshments taste the best! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

(variation is more extreme though...full to empty... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

 

[Doc_Bob]

You are hallucinating /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Somebody has slipped some drug in your water. The hummingbirds are hypnotizing you and making you think the water level is going up and down /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Bob

 

[steveinmo]

Actually it's very simple.


Tides! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif