Fred Bassett and I noticed that the area/size of the gorget of the
returning female Rufous Hummingbird had increased during her absence from Auburn.
The photo shows the gorget as observed in January 2013 is shown on the left vs.
the gorget as observed upon return in late October, 2013 is shown on the right.
The area of the gorget spots relative to the white background feathers is considerably greater.
According to professional hummingbird bander/researcher, Fred Bassett, the central gorget spots on most
female Rufous Hummingbirds get larger as the birds age. Fred also notes that the ring about 1/3rd of
the way inward from the tip of the bill in the Oct. photo is probably pollen.