Nancy and I went to Donaldsonville yesterday for what might have been the last day of winter banding. She processed 7 birds, 6 Rufous and one Allen's. It has been a disappointing season with around 150 new birds caught at best. Last year's numbers were around 180. In previous years the numbers have been around 300. I'll let Nancy post the more accurate data.




Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9

Joan this has been a very dry year for y'all compared to previous years. I am sorry to hear that b/c I know y'all reall come into your own over the winter while the rest of us are grumbling and complaining. Hopefully you will get a bonus influx of spring Rubies heading your way to ease thedisappointment just a tad.

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Thanks for the kind words, Penny. Since I haven't been at this very long any time I see a hummingbird it's not disappointing. I guess if I was accustomed to higher numbers I'd be disappointed but I'm not. But since I didn't have any winter residents I'm ready to get this show on the road!

Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9

The end of your busy season and the beginning of all Ruby-throated fans anticipating their arrival.

Russ Thompson
http://e-hummingbirds.com
http://vimeo.com/hummingbirds
http://hummingbirds.photoshop.com
Louisville, Kentucky

Joan I saw the Donaldsonville and I thought to myself "oh my" they are about an hour from me. Donaldsonville, Georgia that is. I then read you post and realized I was wrong.

Dianne

Southeast Alabama

Heat Zone 8

Sunset Zone 31

Joan - Great pics as usual! I see the difference in the feathers pic... Good color on the hummers. Keep on sharing yours and Nancy's fun!

Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Dianne, I should have clarified it better. For any posts I make, it will be in Louisiana unless otherwise noted. Carol, it's hard to tell what you have (Rufous/Allen's) unless it's in hand. Not that I can tell, but Nancy can. I saw an adult Rufous that I thought was an Allen's because when he was flying I didn't see much tail; it was very narrow, and he had some green on his back. But after Nancy examined him, he has lost some outer tail feathers and just had more green than usual for a Rufous.

Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9

No Joan I just need to pay better attention. I guess my brain was just not working at the moment. I knew better.

Thanks for sharing as usual. The marbled markings are very pretty!! I do understand your frustration of lower numbers. Even though every sighting is such a heartwarming experience, I will still bummed that last year didn't come close to the action of the year before. Fall migration last year did give us a taste of the previous year for a short couple weeks though. Guess we were spoiled!! Can only hope for another year like 2007 when there were multiples here at all times.

Joni
Elwood, IL
Zone 5