...hummingbird of the season today.  A female black-chinned hummingbird--the western equivalent of the ruby-throated hummingbird.  Very closely related.  

:)

Good to see them again.

Best,

George

Spring is definitely in the air, they're draining the feeder faster and faster!! ;)

Joe

I'm going out west to visit my son over labor day.  I hope the black chinned hummers are still around then.  I've only seen the ruby throat.  I love this time of year.

Beth

Quote:

Spring is definitely in the air

Yep, I can smell the brush fire smoke from here!

I saw my first Oriole today.  They seem very late for my neck of the woods.  

I probably won't see the hummers for another month.

I have a question......

I received a feeder from my grandmother and not sure if they will come if I put it up. I live in town. We get them at our cabin all the time but is it area specific?

The kids love filling the feeders at the cabin each spring!! Kind of a start of spring and nice weather tradition.

Any ways just curious. . . . .

Gina

aubmari wrote on May 7^th, 2009 at 6:26pm:

I have a question...... I received a feeder from my grandmother and not sure if they will come if I put it up. I live in town. We get them at our cabin all the time but is it area specific? The kids love filling the feeders at the cabin each spring!! Kind of a start of spring and nice weather tradition. Any ways just curious. . . . . Gina

Hi Gina,

Yep, you'll certainly get them in town.  You may not see the same species...

I'm guessing (given that you live in MT) that you're probably getting Calliope hummers at the cabin.  In town, you're more likely to see black-chins and rufous hummingbirds.  I've not often seen Calliopes in the valleys--they're usually up in the mountains.  

Could see some Broad-Tailed hummers as well.

Best,

George

midwestbeth wrote on May 7^th, 2009 at 11:28am:

I'm going out west to visit my son over labor day.  I hope the black chinned hummers are still around then.  I've only seen the ruby throat.  I love this time of year. Beth

They'll still be around.  They'll probably be nesting by then.  

With luck, you may see some of their mating displays.  Usually, the female sits on a branch, watching, while the male repeatedly dives and chitters.  The flight is "J" shaped.  At the bottom of the dive, the male's wings make a distinctive hum, in a descending minor key.  

They're not the least bit put off by the presence of people--I've watched them display repeatedly while I stood not ten feet away.

Best,

George