New Hummers and a Late Visitor

Almost as hot as the previous week and mainly the same species of birds hitting the nets. However, we did have a nice surprise early in the morning when a Great-creasted Flycatcher showed up. Must be taking its time heading south this year.



While we were hanging out near the banding table I could hear a new sound in the air. It wasn't the far overhead Chimney Swifts. I could swear I was hearing Hummingbirds.

Moments later, one of the visiting children started shouting, "Mommy! Mommy! There is a bird in the net!". I quickly started over and noticed not one but two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the same part of the net. Probably chasing one another and weren't paying attention to their surroundings too closely.

One managed to free itself as I was extracting the other but the one we got was a young male just beginning to add the namesake color to its throat.



As with other Hummingbirds we capture, he was released as we cannot band these wonderful little powerhouses.

If we are lucky, we can get some more variety starting next week. I am ready for some blue and orange mixed in with the yellow.