Seward, Alaska
Around noon, an insistent “tick, tick, tick” from my outdoor baby monitor penetrated my multi-tasking thoughts. I glanced out the kitchen window to an empty space where the hummingbird feeder had waited in vain since July 28 until I removed it three days ago. Below, a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD buzzed from one purple pansy to another, emitting little hummingbird curses.
Almost panicking, I quickly made a fresh sugar solution and rehung the feeder. What was a Rufous Hummingbird doing here in August??? They should have migrated in July.
I hustled to get my camera ready and went outside to wait. Much to my amazement, I happened into a burst of activity. Species I haven’t seen since spring zipped through the spruce branches, flitting from branch to branch, gleaning tiny caterpillars from the twigs. Most looked like youngsters: TOWNSEND’S WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and resident CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.
It was impossible to get a decent photo, hidden behind the needles and moving fast, so I had to settle for pieces and parts.
The Hummer returned and allowed me to savor her (?) presence as she silently sipped the sugar water; the offering apparently passed inspection.
The mixed flock moved on, but the Hummer returned around 6 pm and enjoyed another long drink. What a beauty!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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