The red Phalarope that was first spotted yesterday at Mann Lake in Lewiston is still present.

Denise Hughes
Caldwell, Idaho

Hummingbird action has been non-stop for going on 3 wks now. Filled my 10 oz feeder at 5 PM & it’s down by 3 oz now. Have counted, for sure, 4 individual Rufous & 4 individual Black-chinneds. Relates to at least 40 individuals hitting the feeders.

Have adult males, females & juveniles of both. Haven’t seen a Calliope in about 10 days & no Broad-taileds yet. But, for me, they’re usually an Aug arrival. Most of the action occurs at first light for an HR or two & then picks up again about 6 PM until dark. The male Rufous are tyrants!

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Yesterday afternoon & again this AM, Calliope Hummingbirds started showing at the feeder. Both adult female & juvenile. For my location, that’s approx a month early. So now, have adults & juvs of Black-chinned, Rufous & Calliope coming in. The only one I haven’t seen an adult male for yet, is the Calliope (but, even in a typical yr, may only get one male, as must take a bit diff’t route than the females & juvs). Believe the excessive heat combined with regional wildfires is pushing hummingbird migration a bit early this season. 

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Thanks for your response, Bill. Being NE of you, at homesite along Snake River, have never had Rufous nest here. And, our southward Rufous migration always seems to start toward end of July. We always seem to be 10 days later than your location for Rufous migration. Only time we had earlier dates was ’88, yr of Yellowstone fires. 

But, the southward migration of Rufous thru here had definitely started. This AM, have seen adult male, female & juv Rufous, as well as, both male & female Black-chinneds which are summer residents. In fact, a male BC was just doing display flights to a female at the feeder. My 10 oz feeder is down by 4 oz since daybreak. By count & multiplying by 6, at least 36 hummers hitting feeder this AM. Some epic battles by Rufous, too!

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Our first Rufous, a brilliant male, showed up last Thursday, right about the usual date. Migration is surely begun.

Have started getting regular visits to the nectar feeder past few days. My local Black-chinneds, both male & female, have been hitting hard in this heat. But, was surprised with sev visits yest evening by a juvenile Rufous. My first sightings for Rufous are usually the end of July, on their migration back south. I was esp surprised with this one being a juvenile. Of course, given the heat & warm summer, prob early nesting has occurred & migration south may have started.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

LOL … it is that time of year when there are crazy plumages. One of my favorites is always the Wood Ducks with mowhawks.