|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 5, 2011 16:08:28 GMT -5
Saw our first-ever male & female Rufous HBs at the feeders last night! (SW Gainesville, FL)
We've been feeding hummers for 7-8 years and always have fresh nectar out until the end of October hoping a migrating Rufous will stop by. And, finally last night they did and they gave us quite a show. Guess is pays to be patient.
|
|
|
|
Post by moboston on Oct 5, 2011 17:52:28 GMT -5
Congrats on you Rufous! Can you see if either has a band on its right leg? Several Rufuous have been banded while overwintering here in Lakeland over the last couple of years. Would love to know if either/both are headed back here to spend the winter. Isn't it incredible the long journey these hummers have to make? Again, enjoy yor hummers!
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 6, 2011 7:58:46 GMT -5
I didn't notice, but I'll look tonight and over the weekend and let you know.
I'm going to try and get some pictures this weekend too. If I have any luck I'll post them here.
I've also asked my Gainesville friends to keep their feeders up; be on the lookout for the Rufous and let me know.
These little birds never cease to amaze me.
|
|
|
|
Post by moboston on Oct 7, 2011 15:10:55 GMT -5
The immature male I had last year refused to be banded but the female that was banded the year before was caught for a second time. My friend had a female each of the last two years but she isn't positive it was the same one. There wasn't a band on the one last year but the behavior and choice of feeders made her think it might have lost its band. Another in our town also had an immature male as well.
We found the males to be very territorial. Mine kept all the other hummers out of my backyard. The female used the side yard and would only come in the back if the male wasn't around. I want him to come back but hope he has grown up to be a friendlier bird! HA!
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 8, 2011 10:05:57 GMT -5
Are you in Gainesville too?
We had quite a show last night. At least 8 Rufous visits and 1 Ruby-Throated over about 2 hours! And, one just came for a long drink in the rain - 11:00 am.
Didn't see any leg bands, but if the rain stops I plan on getting out the tripod & camera this evening.
|
|
|
|
Post by moboston on Oct 8, 2011 17:52:05 GMT -5
No, I'm in Lakeland but actually graduated from UF and spent 6 years there total.
Do you have hummers in the winter? If so, you need to let Steve know so he can put you in touch with Fred or Dorren when they come through to band in Jan.-Feb. Its so amazing to be able to hold one of those beauties in your hand!
Its been drizzly rain all day here until about 3 hours ago, now its a steady rain. I have had an immature male at the feeders since about 4pm and have seen one at the Pentas on the other side of the yard. Not sure if its the same one or not.
Will be interesting to see how long your Rufous hang around.
Mary
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 9, 2011 9:35:13 GMT -5
I got 2 fairly good pictures yesterday. Can't upload to my web site until Monday, so I've attached one of the pictures here. Hope you can see it. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 9, 2011 9:36:34 GMT -5
OK, just looked at the post and the picture is there! So here's the second one. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 10, 2011 9:49:49 GMT -5
Got 2 more pictures Sunday. Do you think it is the same bird as the other pictures - it was a different feeder? Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by mslabmgr on Oct 10, 2011 9:51:38 GMT -5
Taken Sunday, October 9 at around 5:00 pm Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Oct 10, 2011 17:54:30 GMT -5
In my opinion the two pictures appear to be of the same hummer.
There are no significant differences which are apparent in the pictures.
Neat Rufous! Hope he hangs around for the winter!
Joe M.
Lakeland
|
|
|
|
Post by moboston on Dec 2, 2011 18:43:09 GMT -5
Is your Rufous still around?
|
|
