Rare Bird Alert

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Photo by Bob Foppe

A Rufous Hummingbird was spotted in Hamilton, County, OH near Hartwell in Springfield Twp.

It was a single visitor to a feeder that was kept out by a resident who usually takes down the feeder at the end of October. This bird has been visiting since the beginning of November because "the hummingbird kept coming back".  The homeowner was surprised to find out it was not a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but a rare Hummer from as far away as Alaska and the Yukon!

It was banded on November 30 as an adult female Rufous Hummingbird. Although the female adults can be identical to adult female Allen's Hummingbirds, measurements and feather characteristics only visible "in hand" confidently identified this as a Rufous Hummingbird.

This is the first known Rufous this year in Hamilton County!

Adult Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Photo Courtesy: Fred Dietrich