[billhiltonjr]

Rufous Hummingbirds, Selasphorus rufus, once found primarily in Central Mexico during the non-breeding months, have been showing up with far greater frequency in the eastern U.S. in winter.

One such bird was banded in 2003 and recaptured in 2004 and again this year at the same wintering locale in Rock Hill, South Carolina USA.

To read about this bird and her amazing site fidelity--and to see some photos of her "then and now," please visit the Web site for Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek051201.html

I'll be happy to respond to comments and questions via BirdForum.


Happy (Winter) Hummingbird Watching!

BILL

[HouseFinch]

What a beautiful bird, and a very interesting article! Since I live in Northwestern Oregon, I gleefully anticipate the arrival of Rufous Hummingbirds each spring. :) I never tire of watching these gorgeous birds, and often wish I lived in an area where I could see more than one species. Incidentally, I've never seen an Anna's Hummingbird, which are supposedly resident here. But then, I don't leave my feeder out all year, either.

Since I have a quality digital camera now, I'll try to photograph hummers next year. I often study migration maps of birds from year to year, including hummingbirds. It will be a great experience seeing these maps change over the years.

[alancairns]

Originally Posted by HouseFinch

Incidentally, I've never seen an Anna's Hummingbird, which are supposedly resident here. But then, I don't leave my feeder out all year, either.

I take my feeders down in August, by which time the majority of the Rufous hummingbrds are gone, and put them back up, with a stronger syrup, in late October. I then have Annas from November through March. I think they go up into the mountains for the summer.

Alan

[HouseFinch]

Originally Posted by alancairns

I take my feeders down in August, by which time the majority of the Rufous hummingbrds are gone, and put them back up, with a stronger syrup, in late October. I then have Annas from November through March. I think they go up into the mountains for the summer.

Alan

Ah, I should try that. What's the recommended ratio for a stronger syrup? Will it keep it from freezing? We've been getting temperatures in the twenties, as it's been clear, but it's forecasted to start raining again soon, and will thus be warmer at night.

[prairiemerlin]

Hello Bill,

Rufous Hummingbirds are becomming increasingly common in the eastern US in the winter - esp. in the south, where hundreds may show up. I saw a Rufous in Brighton, Michigan a few weeks ago. However, it unfortunately died in the cold weather.

[alancairns]

Originally Posted by HouseFinch

Ah, I should try that. What's the recommended ratio for a stronger syrup? Will it keep it from freezing? We've been getting temperatures in the twenties, as it's been clear, but it's forecasted to start raining again soon, and will thus be warmer at night.

2 cups water to one sugar. It helps with the freezing.

Alan