Selasphorus rufus

RARE BUT REGULAR VISITOR TO PA

Rufous Hummingbirds breed from Alaska along the Pacific coast to upper California and east to Wyoming.
They migrate along the Rocky Mountains to their wintering grounds in Mexico and
ocassionally vagrants appear in Pennsylvania as did this one.

On November 17, 2008 it was posted on the PA birding list that a Rufous was found near Ft. Loudon
in Franklin County, PA. Apparently, the bird had been visiting the residence for at least 2 weeks prior to the
owner realizing that it was a special bird. Being only 50 miles from where I live, I decided to make the trip and
attempt to photograph it. The day was cold, windy and riddled with snow showers but sure enough this brave little bird
showed up at the designated location. It is amazing that a frail creature of this size can survive the wintry blast.
It didn't disappoint us as it zoomed from bushes to the feeder and around the yard. It will be wearing band #N99856

The bottom three photos were taken by bander Scott Weidensaul who graciously allowed me to post them here.

*MORE ABOUT RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS*

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