Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2012

I was fortunate enough today to get to see a Rufous Hummingbird coming into a feeder at a private residence in Amherst. The Rufous Hummingbird is typically found in the western United States but occasionally strays to the east coast in fall during its southbound migration.  The owner of the property was very nice and open to a few people coming by to document the bird but wanted to maintain privacy and therefore did not want the location publicly disclosed. As always in situations like this I will honor that request and speak of the location in general terms only.  The bird has been at this location since October 6 when it was first noticed by the owner as she was getting ready to bring in her feeders for the season. Luckily she noticed the bird and noted it was something beyond the usual hummingbird species seen here. The identification has been confirmed by some diagnostic photos taken by Ian Davies yesterday. The bird came into feed several times while I was there and allowed for some great views. This was the first time I have seen this species in the state and it becomes county bird #213 for the year (and #270 in the county ever). Other birds of note at the same location included a large number of junco's (100+) and several Pine Siskins. I would like to thank the owner once again for allowing access to document this bird.

Mallards, Quabbin Park, MA, Oct 20, 2012

Winsor Dam at dawn in fog, Oct 20, 2012

Before and after heading over to see the hummingbird I stopped at Winsor Dam. The morning featured some dense fog that was just starting to clear as I was getting ready to leave. The only waterfowl noted in the morning were a flyby group of Mallards. My brief stop on my way home produced three Common Loons and a couple more Mallards.

Quabbin Tower viewed from Gate 5, Oct 20, 2012

Osprey through binoculars, Quabbin Gate 5, Oct 20, 2012

View looking up from shore, Quabbin Gate 5, Oct 20, 2012

After finishing up some work around the house we went for a walk at Quabbin Gate 5 to enjoy a bit more of this warm, sunny day (highs topped out in the low 70's).  Birds of note here included a Horned Grebe and Common Merganser on the reservoir, an Osprey hunting along the shore as it worked its way south and a Winter Wren at the power line cut.