Transformation of a Rufous hummingbird

[Bill in Texas]

My first known sighting of this bird was in January. I had first thought it to be February but changed my mind as I looked at photos further back. The process of the molt was interesting to watch. He was here as of this morning but I suspect he will leave soon to go looking for love.

January 4


January 12


We had a very cold (for Texas) few days in late January and he disappeared. The next photo is the end of February. I can't remember if I saw him again before that. I didn't always take shots of him when I saw him.

February 28


March 17

 

[Bill in Texas]

March 22


March 27


March 30


April 6

 

[Bill in Texas]

April 7


April 8 - 4 pics

 

[Bill in Texas]

April 8 - 4 pics continued

 

[West Coast Birder]

Remarkable transformation, Bill! Great that you could capture that on the same individual!

 

[Cliff Hilbert]

April 7


April 8 - 4 pics

Outstanding!

 

[Avondale87]

Amazing.
First 8 days of April certainly bought the colours out.
Lovely series Bill

 

[Lyn2011]

April 7


April 8 - 4 pics

He is now very beautiful, surely he'll find a partner.

 

[Bill in Texas]

@West Coast Birder , @Cliff Hilbert , @Avondale87 , @Lyn2011

Thank you all for first looking, and then for your remarks. They are appreciated.

 

[KD_Reno]

Great series! A nice bit of luck to have a first year bird stop over for the winter, and you really made the most of it. They only do that transition once.

For those who aren’t familiar with them, they breed from the US Pacific Northwest and up through Canada into Southeastern Alaska, as far as 61 deg N. They winter primarily in southern Mexico. In proportion to body size they make the longest migration of any bird.

 

[Bill in Texas]

Great series! A nice bit of luck to have a first year bird stop over for the winter, and you really made the most of it. They only do that transition once.

For those who aren’t familiar with them, they breed from the US Pacific Northwest and up through Canada into Southeastern Alaska, as far as 61 deg N. They winter primarily in southern Mexico. In proportion to body size they make the longest migration of any bird.

Ken, thank you for both the compliment and the interesting additional information. He is still here as of this morning.

 

[KD_Reno]

Ken, thank you for both the compliment and the interesting additional information. He is still here as of this morning.

Interesting that he’s still around. I just checked eBird and some have already made it to Juneau. Around here we get a few in the spring, but mostly starting in late June when they’re on their way south.

 

[Bill in Texas]

Interesting that he’s still around. I just checked eBird and some have already made it to Juneau. Around here we get a few in the spring, but mostly starting in late June when they’re on their way south.

Ken, the bird's last appearance was on April 10 in the AM. The final two days it would only come to a feeder. Its gorget became more refined and it grew less tolerant of my presence. I knew it was time for him to leave. I was thankful to be able to spend the amount of time I was given with this bird.



Final shot

 

[West Coast Birder]

I love migrants. They grace us by their presence. Given how wide their migration path is, any encounter is a chance encounter and I am thankful for the interaction, brief as they may be.

 

[KD_Reno]

Ken, the bird's last appearance was on April 10 in the AM. The final two days it would only come to a feeder. Its gorget became more refined and it grew less tolerant of my presence. I knew it was time for him to leave. I was thankful to be able to spend the amount of time I was given with this bird.



Final shot

He certainly turned into a handsome young fellow.

 

[Bill in Texas]

Indeed he did. Hoping the great memory they say hummingbirds have will serve him to make a return if he survives. My place is definitely a Rufous winter spot.