Rufous Hummingbirds (1 Viewer)

Question:

I have three feeders at my home, in heavily forested Western Washington state. For perhaps three days I will have up to 16 Rufous hummingbirds at my feeders, then there will be two to three days of 1-2 birds all day. Would this be different flights of migrating birds, or do they range off for days at a time? This is the first year I've placed out feeders.

Thanks much,

Dave K

Would this be different flights of migrating birds,""
Hi,
That's my best guess. When my regular hummingbirds (Anna's and Rufous) are here they come every day, the same few with maybe an extra visitor or so. When they are nesting they are not in the yard much but do come for regular visits to feed and bathe in the fountain.

A bit later on, in July, I get those waves of visitors that seem to be part of a migration. Their behaviour is a bit different, more zippy and skittish than the ones who are used to seeing me in the yard.

They remember where feeders are and will come back next year. The Anna's stay all year and feed thru Winter and you may be lucky and have one keep you busy keeping a feeder clean and not frozen in that season too!

You're both right... I think. I get so few Rufous here on the Green in South King, that when I do see one, it's a special treat.

A couple years ago a Rufous stopped off here for about a week during migration (can't remember if it was Spring or Fall). He commandeered one of my feeders for that time and was relentless, running off all the "locals" from his feeder. I'm not real good at IDing hummers, but he was unmistakeable. A handsome guy.