FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Hummingbird feathers

[Robbie Hassler <drhass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have three hummingbird feeders hanging underneath the eaves of the house very 
close to glass doors where I can stand among them while they whirl around my 
head.  For the last two months I have been noticing one or two ratty looking 
birds in molt that had what looked like white feathers on the crown.  I thought 
it was pollen until one came to the feeder so close I had to refocus my eyes.  
It was definitely white feathers thinly covering the head.  Then yesterday I 
saw an adult male, fully feathered, with a bright white patch on the forehead.  
It was about ten inches from my face.  I don't remember seeing this in the 
past.  I'm sure they were Ruby-throats.  

Robbie Hassler
Byrdstown, TN 
Pickett County