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Hummer banding update for NC



Hello All!

I just wanted to bring folks up to date on my winter hummer banding
activities here in North Carolina since early November. I have received a
good number of reports from all over the state.  I have a few trips planned
before Christmas and am putting together a rough schedule for early January
at the moment.  So far I have banded 8 hummingbirds of 4 species- which is
not a bad start!

{Unfortunately I have been spending a lot more time working for the state
catching sick coots and mallards at Woodlake...}

Ruby-throated: I (only) caught one second year adult male while in Buxton
(Dare Co.) in early November.  The weather was still very warm and none of
the hummers were using feeders regularly at that point.  There are numerous
individuals out there now (as usual) so I am anticipating a productive trip
out that way right after Christmas.

Rufous: I have banded 5 new birds and recaptured one banded female from last
year. There are two, an adult male and an immature female in a yard at
Woodlake (my home county --Moore). There have been three banded so far in
the Asheville area (Buncombe and Henderson Cos.).  I also banded a spunky
juvenile female that showed up in Franklin Co. at Sharon Funderburk's home.
Wednesday I caught another immature female in Cramerton (Gaston Co.).  Four
other Selasphorus have been reported that I have yet to see--as well as a
Selasphorus at Louise Willis's home in Hampstead that could be the famous
'Blondie' banded by Bob and Martha Sargent back in 1997.

Black-chinned: I banded an immature female on December 13 (yesterday) on the
south side of Charlotte (Mecklenburg Co.).  The hosts are the Munozs, Ray
and Linda, who are happy to share their hummer with visitors (704-543-1845).
This hummer is very feisty--and fat!  I was surprised to see and feel a good
bit of fat on this little bird.  (*Note: something about the Charlotte area
is attracting a variety of  healthy hummers these days-- any thoughts?)
Also there are currently not one but two other suspected Black-chinneds at
feeders (Brunswick and Wayne Cos.) which I plan to get to as soon as
possible.

Of course the immature Green-breasted Mango was banded on November 19th in
Concord (Cabarrus Co.).  I will be writing up details of this momentous
occasion/occurrence early in the new year.

Also there was what I am convinced was an immature male Calliope at a feeder
in Pisgah Forest (Transylvania Co.)--although I did not see it.  It
disappeared the day after it was made public (and I was called about it).
Yes, a big disappointment.  However I managed to see rather good photos that
the host took of the hummingbird at his feeder.  The profile is classic and
it showed a few of gorget feathers coming in in the center its throat.  This
bird was only the third sighted in NC.  But given how often this species is
being found elsewhere in the southeast, I doubt we will have too long to
wait before another individual turns up at a feeder somewhere.

And finally, there is an elusive hummer (identity completely unknown)
visiting a feeder here in Whispering Pines less than a mile from my home.  I
have yet to see or catch it but I am sure going to keep trying!!

Many thanks to the NC State Museum for their on-going support of my
hummingbird work.  I would also like to express my appreciation to the
Hummer Bird Study Group as well as those dear friends who have contributed
to my research efforts this season as well.  Your generosity is what makes
it all possible.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!