Hi All,
This is forwarded to me from Steve Bouricius He thought some of you might
like to go and see the bird.
Scott Rashid
Estes Park
>
Hi Folks,
This morning Debbie and I captured and banded a female Costa's Hummingbird
coming to a feeder in Grand Junction, Mesa County. We set up two
hummingbird traps, one in the place of the existing feeder, another in a
new location. It wasn't long before the bird came to check out the new
feeder and we gently closed the trap door. After banding, taking data and
a few photos, the bird returned to the feeder immediately after being
released. She weighed 3.2 grams which is substantial and healthy for a
Costa's, but she had no visible fat reserves which suggests she may be
done migrating for now. Given our experience with the wintering hummers
in the past, I believe this hummingbird will do just fine so long as
insects and sugar water are available.
The hummer hosts have faithfully maintained the feeder, taking it in at
night and putting it out each morning. The bird shows up very early to a
feeder hanging over the front porch. The hosts report that they have had
two hummingbirds recently, and last saw two birds together about a week
ago. We did not see a second bird while we were there but would like to
hear from anyone who can confirm the presence of two birds. For this
reason, we are leaving traps in place.
The location is west of where we captured the Broad-billed Hummingbird in
Nov. and Dec., 2002, and the female Costa's in Dec. 2004. It is north of
where we also banded a female Anna's on the same day as the Costa's in
2004. Obviously this is an important time to be looking for vagrant
hummingbirds, to band them for documentation and for the potential to gain
future encounter information.
The hosts, Tom and Susie Vaughn, have graciously given permission for
birders to observe the bird. For those of you who go please remain quiet,
move slowly, and stay on the sidewalks or driveway. The bird is probably
best viewed from the driveway where one can watch both feeders and the
nearby trees and shrubs. You might want to bring your own chair or stool.
Directions: The address is 1650 Ridge Drive. From Patterson, go north on
15th St. to Ridge Drive. Turn right on Ridge Drive, 1650 is on the left.
From I-70 take the Horizon Drive exit south to the 12th St. roundabout, go
south on 12th to Patterson, then east to 15th, then north to Ridge Drive.
Our sincere thanks goes to Tom and Susie Vaughn for their hospitality the
opportunity to discover this bird. Thanks also, to Larry Collins of Wild
Birds Unlimited for the connection.
Good birding,
Steve
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Steve & Debbie Bouricius
3412 C Road
Palisade, CO 81526
970-434-5918
Hummingbird Orchards Banding and Research Station
Peaceful Valley Field Station
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory permit #23198
CDOW Scientific Collections permit #11BD834
NABC certified master hummingbird banders/trainers
http://www.trochilids.com/colorado/2009humconference.html
************************************************************
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