The Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird was present most of the day in Cape Charles
today, from 0700 through 1500, then again at sunset. It is a rather worn bird,
apparently a young male, and it does - as Mike Iwanik, Vicky Gullet, and Adam
D'Onofrio saw and pointed out to me today - have a back that's about 75%
green. The heavy feather wear may be a point in favor of Allen's (which nests
earlier than Rufous), but the tips of the next-to-central rectrices have not
yet
been clearly observed or photographed. A bander may be coming down in a week,
and it is generally necessary to measure tail feathers to confirm an Allen's
in such a plumage. Also in the yard today was a Pine Siskin, a Red-breasted
Nuthatch or two, a Blackpoll Warbler, and a Winter Wren. Amazingly at
Kiptopeke
today, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper passed over the hawkwatch, spotted by Sam
Stuart, probably the latest record for the state.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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