Photo Census of Hummingbirds in Two Lafayette, LA, Yards

March 15th and 16th, 2006

I knew that I still had a few winter hummingbirds but I was not sure how many or which ones. One way to get a better idea is to take down all but one feeder and watch for the activity. I plug up all but one port forcing the hummingbirds to one perch. I set up a tripod and camera focused on the one perch and sit back with a remote shutter release.

    The first three were taken 3/15/06, in my Grandmother's side yard as the sun was setting.

The first hummer was not a winter bird, but one of the early Ruby-throated migrants. These guys are staying only a day or so and keep things stirred up in the yard.

The second hummingbird was a surprise. I had not seen him in a couple of weeks and thought he may have departed. He is a Black-chinned Hummingbird, hatch year 2003. He arrived this season on 10/11/05, and this is the3rd winter he has spent with me

The last hummer of the evening was an immature female Ruby-throat. The first time I saw her was banding day on 1/14/06. At the time, she had no molt evident with a full set of primaries. This shot shows her wing molt coming along nicely with P8 at 50%.

The second set were taken the following day with the first one at my house. The rest were taken at my Grandmother's with the camera set up in the front yard this time.

This is old faithful. She claims my front yard and fusses every time I come out the door. I banded her in 2002 as an adult female Rufous, so I do not know how old she is. I do know she is at least 4 1/2 years old. She is the only winter hummer left at my house, so it was off to my Grandmother's again.

This is an immature male Ruby-throat. First observed and banded on 2/15/06. His molt is progressing nicely, but he has some catching up to do.

Next is one I was hoping to get a nice picture of. Calliope, immature male. He was first observed on 12/1/05, and banded on 12/8/05. I recaptured him on 1/14/06, and have a nice set of pictures on him. I may have to make a special page for him. Especially if he completes his gorget molt and gives me another photo.

Young male Rufous, hatch year 2005. He arrived in December and was hard to tell from another look alike Rufous until banded. He is now the only young male Rufous left.

Although similar in appearance, this is a return male Rufous. He first appeared on January 21st, and took up territory in the same area as last winter. I has been in the process of completing his winter molt, and has developed a loud wing whistle. His gorget is in the process of replacement and gives the shaggy appearance.

Finally is a female that does not like the camera. She is either the adult return Ruby-throat, or an imm Black-chinned. Both got yellow paint, and she would not give me a look at the band number. I know of two others that did not come in for a photo. I will have to try again in a week or so and see who's still around.

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