As though nothing had happened, the Black-chinned Hummingbird, absent for the
past five days, returned to the yard this morning and has been present all
day so far, perching low in the Buddleia and Pineapple Sage in the side yard,
at
the top of the streetside Linden tree where it's bare, and in Crape Myrtles
in front of the neighbors' yard to the west. The bird zoomed off at one point
in the direction of other yards to the north, where Camellias are getting
into full bloom (mine are still just starting to bloom), and I suspect that it
is
ranging farther afield now that abundant flowers are available.
Les Willis also commented that his Calliope Hummingbird of this week (so
identified by western experts by email in the past few days) was also attracted
to
Camellia blossoms and even took nectar from fallen flowers on the ground.
(In fact, his bird did not even attend the feeders set out for it.) Even if a
hummingbird feeder is too much trouble to fiddle with during the holidays
(and I tend to think they're easier than in summer - the nectar stays fresh
much
longer), it's worth watching blooming bushes and other plants for winter
hummingbirds. Virginia has now recorded seven species, most of them
meticulously
documented, and there is potential for more!
Anyone who'd like to look for the Black-chinned is welcome to come by 9
Randolph Avenue in Cape Charles and watch from the porch, yard, etc. It's
usually
very tame and obliging when present. If on the fence, feel free to email
me, and I'll let you know when I've seen it most recently.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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