Thursday, May 7, 2015 Hummer time!


Seward, Alaska

Ava called yesterday with an excited report of a new hummingbird, larger than a Rufous, all green, with a black gorget. Joe Staab checked it out this morning and identified it as a male ANNA’S. I went a few hours later, and did not see it. But I enjoyed watching a female and stunning male RUFOUS at the feeder. Such little jewels! Ava noted that down south, the hummers swarm and share the feeders, but here in their breeding territory, they are very aggressive. The female seemed to dominate the feeder and the male waited until she was gone before zipping in to sip.

Seward has had Anna’s here before, but usually they are recognized after mid-July when the Rufous all leave. In 2010, a young female lingered until October 10th. Lowell Point has also reported Anna’s, possibly breeding, over the years.

Keep those feeders clean and full. 4 cups boiled water (if city water) and 1 cup granulated sugar. No red food coloring. If you have a small-necked feeder, try swirling a tablespoon of BBs with dish soap solution to clean off any fungus. Vinegar kills mold and fungus, but hopefully your feeder won’t get that bad. I really like the dish-style feeders with the handy perches. They are really easy to clean and fill.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter





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