To add to the popular topic of hummingbirds, here are my observations from the North End/Highlands area of Boise.

First, going back to the start of the year my FOY hummers were in late April. There was one really early Black-chinned, around April 25 as I remember, then no more until May 1st. A bit earlier than average but not remarkably so. What was different is that I did not see a single Calliope nor Rufous this year on their northbound trek. Normally a few pass through the yard, and maybe they did, but I never saw one. This is the first year I can remember this happening.

We had two Black-chinned nests in the yard this year. One nest was used for a second year in a row. It would be fascinating to know whether it was the same bird that used it in 2017. This nest I know had two young and the other nest had one. Whether they successfully fledged I don’t know as we were out of town for long periods this summer. In both cases the young were there when we left town but were not there when we returned. What was interesting was the timing difference between the two nests. I would say the nest with two young was about 20 days earlier than the nest with one young.

Now returning to today, clearly, we are in period of where big changes are going on. Male Black-chinned were the first to go. Numbers started decreasing noticeably about 10 days ago and I saw my last one three days ago. The only Black-chinned coming into the feeders are now females and/or juveniles. Their numbers have decreased noticeable the last couple of days as well. My sense is they are mostly juveniles as they have bright white underparts. I won’t claim to be an expert on separating females and juveniles, but it just seems that way. Also, finally in the last 2-3 days there have been a few Calliope’s and a Rufous or two coming into the feeders.

Based on past experience I expect hummingbird numbers to be almost zero in another 10 days. Usually by the end of the first week in September they are gone. It is sad we only get to enjoy them for a bit more than 4 months a year. But, it sure is fun while they are here.

Scott