First Rufous of the season in Lakeland

[moboston]

Pretty certain that I have an immature male Rufous in my yard. Beginnings of gorget is orangish and the chest area is showing up more and more of a russet color than green of a Ruby. Today he was being very aggresive with
everything in the back yard. Did a dive display and chased a Yellow Rumped Warbler out of the Crepe Myrtle. When it came down to feed from the flowers, it took out after a bumble bee then a butterfly. It went whizzing by my head so close I could feel the air from its wings and hear the hum.

In addition I have another adult male, a different one that isn't using a feeder and one that does.

And two of my neigbors are also seeing hummers - both bought plants yesterday at Munn Park and I know one has had
feeders out in the past. I have mixed emotions - glad to know the hummers are around but not so happy they are leaving my yard to eat elsewhere!

[Joe M]

Oct 27, 2013 19:49:12 GMT -5 moboston said:

Pretty certain that I have an immature male Rufous in my yard. Beginnings of gorget is orangish and the chest area is showing up more and more of a russet color than green of a Ruby. Today he was being very aggresive with
everything in the back yard. Did a dive display and chased a Yellow Rumped Warbler out of the Crepe Myrtle. When it came down to feed from the flowers, it took out after a bumble bee then a butterfly. It went whizzing by my head so close I could feel the air from its wings and hear the hum.

In addition I have another adult male, a different one that isn't using a feeder and one that does.

And two of my neigbors are also seeing hummers - both bought plants yesterday at Munn Park and I know one has had
feeders out in the past. I have mixed emotions - glad to know the hummers are around but not so happy they are leaving my yard to eat elsewhere!

Mary,
Congratulations! Sure wish I could figure out why the topography of your area seems to attract Rufous on an annual basis.
Since I'm less than 4 mi. from your location I still don't have a clue.

Joe M.

[moboston]

I wish I knew why Shirley has birds all year long while we don't. Sue pretty much had her female all year as well and saw a male off and on all summer as well. I think this one has a damaged bottom beak (bill). Looks
to be broken off. I am wondering if he will be able to use a feeder in the winter time if he stays around. So far shows no interest in one. He was chasing butterflies again this afternoon.

I also wonder why your yards seems to attract males. Wish these little ones could talk to us!