[TN-Bird] Rufous Hummingbirds are Tough

From: "Tommy Curtis" <tcbirdwatch@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "TN-Bird Post" <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2013 09:01:21 -0600
Willie Three is definitely one tough little Rufous Hummingbird!  Saturday night 
we had the most sustained high winds and torrential rainfall we’ve experienced 
in the ten years since we bought this house.  For hours the wind rattled 
windows and bent the trees over and the heavy rain pounded the house again and 
again and concern for that little fellow sitting huddled somewhere was on our 
minds all during those hours.  He must have found a good crevice or hole in a 
tree or maybe have gone under our deck because I don’t think he could have 
possibly stayed on a limb perch with the wind and rain.  With each of the 
rufous hummers we’ve had staying in our yard we’ve wondered where they roosted 
at night but have never been able to follow them as they left the feeders in 
the evening.  We never looked for them after dark as we were afraid a light 
shining on them might frighten them from their roost and then they’d be lost in 
the dark and not know how to return.  Obviously they are wise enough to choose 
a good place to spend the night and tough enough to make it through wind, rain, 
and freezing temperatures.  We knew these facts but our relief at seeing him 
come to the feeder in the semi-darkness Sunday morning brought a special joy 
just to know he was alive and well.  He fed well all day and disappeared after 
his 2:16 p.m. feeding so nothing seems to change his regular routine.  He has 
made one tiny change by coming to the feeder with the heat lamp for his first 
feeding of the day – we assume the light and heat make it attractive in the 
cold and darkness - but after several drinks there he almost instantly appears 
at the feeder on the other side of the house and continues his morning ritual.  
Tomorrow will make 8 weeks since he surprised and delighted us when he appeared 
at the feeder for the first time.  We are now beginning to wonder if like the 
first Willie in 2004 he might spend the entire winter here.  We would really 
like it if he stayed; even getting up before daylight to put out the feeders is 
worth it just to see him and enjoy his beauty.

A lady from Memphis emailed to say she planned to come over after Christmas to 
see him.  If you too want to visit, just email or call us at 615-215-1254 so we 
can be home when you come.  All those who have visited, except for a man who 
came too late in the evening when he had already gone to bed, have enjoyed 
excellent views of him.

Tommy & Virginia Curtis
Smithville, TN
DeKalb County
[TN-Bird] Rufous Hummingbirds are Tough

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