It appears to me that Idaho hummingbird migration started 2 wks earlier than usual & will probably be drawing to a close in the next 2 wks. At least for the majority of the hummers through my area. Last year, I kept feeders up into early October. Suspect, will be done this year by mid-Sept.
Yesterday’s Rufous was a surprise. As they were first to start through in early July & hadn’t seen any for past sev wks. My sister lives in NW WA & says the Rufous left earlier this yr than they’d ever witnessed. She usually sees juvies into Aug, but had cleared out by last of July.
On the other side of the state, I had a juvie rufous in Boise last week. Now, in Donnelly, my feeder is still full five days after I filled it. They are gone from valley county from my perspective.
Last evening, as a windstorm was hitting, a juvenile male Rufous Hummingbird appeared at the feeder. First Rufous seen since early Aug. He took over the feeder, keeping all others away, even in a high wind! Was also pleasantly surprised by stability of the saucer feeder in the wind!
Once again, thanks to Ruthann for the saucer-type hummingbird feeder recommendation! Literally, saved my enjoyment of watching the little birds’ visits, as their fall migration continues.
Today, there’s been an equal mix of juvenile Black-chinned & Calliope Hummingbirds. Haven’t seen an adult hummer since Saturday, when 2 adult male BCs came through. The only yellow jacket visits are very brief, 1 or 2 at a time, then they leave in a matter of seconds.
I keep watching for a Broad-tailed, had a single male visitor last year about this time. So far, none this year. Right now, watching the “King of the Roost”, a juvie male Calliope, that keeps the larger Black-chinneds away. He only appeared about 30 minutes ago. Just glad to be able to continue offering a brief stopover respite for their fall journey South.
