Yesterday, April 12, 2015, my wife and I decided to spend the day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, On. We parked on Johnson St., and were walking easterly on the North side of the street, when at about 89 Johnson St. (my wife heard what appeared to be a large bee on some blooming crocus. After watching intently for about a minute we both noticed a Hummingbird darting from flower to flower, around the corner and back. At first we thought it was the typical Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, that we are used to (due to it’s bright red, iridescent throat patch and white breast feathers), however, as we watched it (approx. 5-10 minutes) the tan coloration of it’s remaining feathers left me somewhat confused.
Upon arriving home I took out my “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds”, and found the little guy quickly and identified it as a Rufous Hummingbird (Adult, Male). After seeing it’s typical range I felt this sighting was something the Ontario Field Ornithologists should be aware of. I have been asked to consider the possibility that the bird may have been an “Allen’s Hummingbird”, but must unfortunately confirm that this is not a possibility due to the fact our first observation of the bird was the bright red iridescent throat flash, which is absent in the Allen’s. In addition there was no greenish tinge to the back or elsewhere on the bird. A complete report has been sent to the OBRC. I would very much appreciate it if could confirm this sighting for me. Unfortunately, as I only had my cell phone with me I was unable to get a photo of the bird. Arthur D. Eley _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
