Monday, October 13, 2014

New Friend


Our large family of Rufous Hummingbirds seem to have all migrated, with the exception of two that linger still. If they stay all winter, they are classified as "vagrant" hummingbirds, which apparently isn't that uncommon, even in areas with harsh cold winters. We'll keep the nectar flowing and defrosted for as long as we continue to see them coming.

It was a big surprise to us to notice this brand new individual that started visiting our feeder bank a few days ago. It took me awhile to be fast enough to capture it with my camera, and boy am I glad I kept trying! Isn't it beautiful? It appears to be an Anna's Hummingbird, and I hope it sticks around.

Three feeders + three vagrant winter hummingbirds = Perfection.

Click on this picture to see a larger version of our gorgeous new hummingbird friend.

10 comments:

Merry Wind Farm said...

Hi, Beth, I'm wondering where you live that this guy is still around. I'm in Ohio, and they all leave by the end of September, they even say to take down the feeders so as to not encourage them to stay. That is a wonderful picture, were you that close or did you use a zoom?
Melinda

Jeana said...

Wow! Those neck feathers are so gorgeous.

Rugs and Pugs said...

What a gorgeous feathered friend.
Hugs :)
Lauren

DebbieSFL said...

Exquisite....

gracie said...

It is definitely a Anna's Hummingbird male...we have them here in Arizona year round.

Jennifer M said...

Wonderful, thanks for sharing:)

Thoeria said...

How beautiful! You're so lucky to have these in your backyard :)

Pam in IL said...

There are some Rufous Hummingbirds that, for whatever reason, leave your part of the country and migrate east to my area of the midwest. They have been known to stay in our area through New Year's as long as they have an available food source. Amazing, considering how brutally cold, windy and snowy it can be in north central Illinois in December and January.

Kathy Barrick said...

Absolutely gorgeous bird and amazing photography!! Well done!!

Frances said...

What a sweet, sweet hummingbird! I love them!