Gorgeous Rare Hummer!

A few weeks ago, I was told of a male Rufous Hummingbird visiting a feeder in southwest Chatham-Kent. This is the first record for C-K.

Rufous Hummers are gorgeous birds, as the photos show. They are one of the most common species in western North America, but do meander to the east on occasion when in migration.

According to the eBird database, there have been no more than 20 known sightings anywhere in Ontario, and only about 5 in the last decade. They have shown up in various locations from western Ontario to eastern Ontario, but sometimes only for a few hours. Many of these migrant wanderers are less colourful or distinct first-year birds, or females, and on occasion some that have been reported have taken a bit of time, with analysis of photos, to determine if they are in fact a Rufous or a hybrid or some other species which is also in a less distinct plumage. Such was the case when one showed up in the Kingsville area several decades ago, which was the first time I had seen this species in Ontario. Therefore many birders have never seen this species in Ontario. Based on the occurrence of other rare hummingbirds when they show up at a reliable feeder, the deluge of birders could be overwhelming. With the quite challenging logistics of any public access to this location, it was the consensus of the first finders and the landowners not to make it publicly known. I'm not even sure how many actually saw it, but there were very few, so I consider myself quite fortunate.

On the day that I ventured out to see this bird, I had a brief and encouraging chat at the very long road entrance, which wasn't much more than a narrow lane way through an agricultural field, with one of the home owners. Sure enough, within minutes of arriving and getting my camera gear ready, I heard the distinctive sound of hummingbird wings. But it wasn't the Rufous hummer. It was one of several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that were also trying to feed at the feeder. However the Rufous hummer would not have it, and immediately after hearing the wings of the Ruby-throat, the Rufous hummer zipped by almost within arms reach to drive the other hummer away. After successfully doing so, it would perch half way up a nearby walnut tree, constantly on the lookout for any competition. This happened steadily while I was there, and was told by the landowner this was its normal behaviour. Due to how high up the Rufous hummer was while on the lookout, how short a time it would perch before taking off after another hummer, not to mention the back lit conditions, it was difficult to get a decent photo. This is one of the best ones. I used the Canon 5D3, the 500mm telephoto plus 1.4X teleconverter, and cropped the photo to the equivalent of about 65X.

At times it would totally disappear, chasing a Ruby-throat somewhere out behind the house, and on occasion I saw it rest in another more distant tree. Or on a cable entering the house. But always just for a few seconds before dashing off again.

 

I didn't bother trying to track it down when it briefly disappeared. I decided that this particular feeder was where most of the action was, and so just hung out nearby hoping that I could get a few good photos in the almost perfect light conditions. And it worked.

After it successfully drove off one of the Ruby-throats, it would sometimes stop by the main feeder for a few sips before returning to its walnut tree perch.

The bird was only present for a few days, and as far as I know, there have been no further reports of it in Ontario. Hopefully it made its way to its winter haunts hundreds of kilometres south of here. Once it was gone, it was possible to share the experience and photos, finally.

It was quite a busy and fun experience!

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