Today we got a few more photos that show details of the hummingbird, with some shots that pretty clearly show the tail feathers all being wide, supporting its identification as a Rufous. But the rump is not uniformly rusty--it's mostly green, as is the entire back, except for a couple of very rusty feathers on one side. Photos and other details, including Bob Janssen's listing of all Rufous Hummingbird sightings in Minnesota, is available at <http://www.lauraerickson.com/Birds/NovemberHummingbird.html>
Today the bird first appeared momentarily at 7:22, fed at the feeders first at 7:33, and came to the feeders for the last time at 2:55. Thanks to everyone who came to see the bird--it's been great having so many people sharing their photos and working hard to see details that have been really tricky, what with the bird's general flittiness. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program <http://www.lauraerickson.com/> There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson
