My group has been observing the feeding habits of hummingbirds in the area. Early this morning we set up an experiment with 5 feeders containing 3 different concentrations of sugar water. From this set up, we were expecting to be able to synthesize a testable hypothesis based on what we saw. After about an hour and a half of observations on which feeders were visited the most often, we went back to the Posada Tacubaya for an afternoon to re-cooperate and brainstorm potential hypothesis. The perk to being an ecologist—you can brainstorm and discuss your work anywhere, anytime… even in the pool.
Refreshed and ready with hypothesis and an awesome experimental design, we returned to our observation site, ready to put things into motion. Much to our dismay, one of the hummingbird feeders had become infested with very large, very eager bees. Carefully, we removed the surrounding feeders and dejectedly stared at the infested feeder. Our hopes on conducting observations on hummingbird behavior almost completely dashed, we were suddenly surprised and delighted to see three hummingbirds still daring to feed from the lone feeder. Our staring now turned to earnest gawking, we sat down and marveled over this competitive interaction between hummingbirds and bees—we noticed that the hummingbirds, though earlier this morning had been spending their energy on chasing each other away from “their” territory, were diverting 100% of their attention to trying to get past the bees, daring to take a long a drink as possible without being noticed by the busy intruders.
An afternoon of possible observation for our own experiment now no longer an option, we set down to observe the birds and the bees. It was a fascinating attempt of valor on the part of the hummingbirds and a fierce display of defense (or was it offense?) from the bees. After a while, the hummingbirds grew tired of avoiding the bees and called it a night. Taking from their lead, we turned back to tuning the fine details of our experiment. But wow, what an amazing show!
A valuable lesson in conducting research was learned today-- there is no such thing as an experiment that “didn’t work”… we must take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves to us. And that’s what the point of this trip is, I feel—learning to improvise when your “plans” unfold in unexpected but sometimes, even more intriguing ways. Tonight after dinner (and after the bees have left) we will return to continue our original experiment, but this event was definitely an important, memorable, and invaluable part of our scientific process.
Nature has her own special way of rewarding inquisitive ecologists, starving for novel discoveries. Stay hungry, my friends!
-AN.
Looks like a fantastic experience, and you're absolutely right about experiments. There is always something to be learned even from a "failed" experiment!
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