This Hummingbird has taken residence at my daughters neighbors home, it was spotted in November and has taken up residence outside of Alissa"s home .
Alissa has 4 feeders out around the warm side of her house, trying to keep her fed until she can gain enough body fat and enery for the journey south.
She was born this year the bird expert said .
This morning it was around 20 degrees F and wind chill factor in the teens.
The experts say that the Rufous Hummingbird can take some cold temperatures, and Holly still has time to fatten up and fly south .
Alissa this morning rushed out to change the feeders because they were frozen,she is doing everything in her power to get this Rufous to survive and fly south.
The photo shows Holly in the palm of Alissa's hand , some bird experts came out and put a hummingbird feeder in a cage , Holly flew in , they ID banded her , and thus the photograph of Holly.
She was then let go , and she has stayed around Alissa's home , feeding and fattening up.
We all hope this precious jewel makes it south safely.
And Alissa will have a story to tell for the rest of her life about Holly.
The Hummingbird was named Holly this morning because she is hanging around the Holly Trees.

Note: All hummingbird depart our area around the first week of September.

UPDATES ON HOLLY THE RUFOUS FEMALE HUMMINGBIRD

December 9 2006 Holly was at the window feeding at 7:45 AM / Temperature 19.2 Degrees F

December 13 2006 Holly is still around feeding and doing well, our weather has turned to spring like, close to 60 degrees F the last 3 days ,the forcast is about the same for about 4 more days.
I am sure Holly is enjoying the change in our weather also.

December 19 2006 A very unusual day today , the temperature reached around 71 degrees F, Holly must be enjoying this weather while she is fattening up.
This temperature we are having is not normal for this time of the year.
Seems like it warmed up so Holly could find insects.
It has been warm for the last few days.
Holly is fine and still feeding at the window from the feeder but not as frequently due to more insects have becomee available with the very warm weather we have been having.
Today Holly has been around for a month.

Holly did leave for a warmer climate, now we all wonder if she will return to the spot where she was catered to while she was putting on some flying south weight.
I am glad it all turned out and if she returns I will go over and get some images of her.