[va-bird] Re: RT Hummer still here

Hello VAbirders,


>As of this evening, October 25, 6pm, we are still getting a female Ruby 
>Throated Hummingbird coming to our feeder. She is missing one eye and some 
>tail feathers, so I am quite sure it's the same bird for the last ten days 
>or so.
>I was looking at Kurt Gaskill's Summary of No. VA Extreme Dates, and this 
>seems to be out of the ordinary. I'm not sure if anyone is keeping track 
>and/or might be interested, but I'll keep you posted if you are.

Phil and everyone,

This year seems to be unusual regarding Ruby-throated migration.  People 
throughout the east are still reporting Ruby-throateds at their 
feeders/flowers.  As of yesterday, there were reports on Humnet of 
Ruby-throateds in places like Michigan and Ontario, Canada, so we could 
very likely continue to see birds for weeks to come.

>I'm also wondering if by keeping the feeder up I am keeping her from 
>migrating. That is, should I take the feeder down so she moves on south? 
>Everything I've read says that feeders don't inhibit hummer migration, but 
>I still can't help but wonder about an injured bird. I don't want her to 
>stay if it will be bad for her in the long run, although, that may not be 
>much longer in any case.
>Phil Kenny
>Vienna VA

Phil, as you state, keeping a feeder up will not inhibit hummer 
migration.  As to this particular hummer, she may be injured as you say, 
although a missing eye could be a defect she's had from birth, and if she's 
gotten this far in her development with only one eye, she's probably 
adapted to the situation.  Also, many birds have missing tail feathers, 
especially during fall migration.  I would recommend keeping the feeder up, 
for whether she's in a weakened condition or whether she's a healthy but 
"late" migrator, she can use the extra help along her journey.

If she does stick around because something about her "wiring" or health 
prevents her from moving on, then it's possible she could linger until she 
meets her end.  If that happens, it will be the repeat of a common and 
necessary scenario in the life of birds and other creatures.  But just as 
likely, she'll be on her way in a matter of days and you'll be left 
wondering about her fate, wishing her well, and pondering on the mysteries 
of nature.

Please, blow her a kiss and wish her safe journey for me.

Lori Markoff
Vienna
Fairfax County
canyon.eagle@xxxxxxxxxxx

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