Birdies!!

[Penelope's Mom]

I would love to see one up close, they're beautiful. Do you by chance know of a hummingbird that is solid black? I ask because one day, not too long ago, one came up to me...within about 8-inches from my face, stared me down then flew away. I was so excited. lol I haven't been able to figure out what kind it was, though. Next year I plan on getting a hummingbird feeder so I can see them all the time.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Hm, we only get the Ruby Throated Hummers here (though occasionally we'll get a rare Rufous in the fall), where in TX htere's at least 5 or 6 that pass through at various points of the year plus you're more likely to see the ones that occasionally pop up out of range. I'm not aware of any hummers that are totally pure black, but there are a few that might appear pretty solid dark/greyish black if they weren't flashing their colors. Doing a quick search of Ebird.org, using Dallas as a location, I'm finding confirmed reports of Ruby Throats, Black-Chinned, and Rufous Hummers this summer (doesn't mean there weren't others, just that those were the ones officially reported). I can see how a Black-Chinned Hummer might look mostly black (for example) if he wasn't flashing his colors for some reason.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I'll add, you can still put out a feeder now. You should have year round, or dang close to it, Hummers there, and you'll definetly be seeing the migratory ones for at least a couple more months.

 

[Penelope's Mom]

I thought with fall coming, they would be heading out. I'll have to see if I can find a feeder somewhere. I thought my "friend" might be a black-chinned hummingbird, but the pics I found online didn't really look like the one I saw.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Go for it! Worst that happens is you don't get any, but if you put it out now you increase your chances of getting hummers later. Just don't put a alot of sugar water into it till you're sure you've got visitors, I usually only put out about a cup of sugar water at a time till I'm sure they're here.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I was looking at the ebird records again today, and you could see both Ruby Throats and Black Chinned hummers through Oct or even Nov, with scattered reports even as late as Dec. And you could potentially see Rufous hummers all winter. And there have been Anna's Hummers reported even in January not that far from you. I'm kinda surprised there aren't more sightings in general, I know that pretty much every hummingbird species that is seen in the USA has been recorded as passing back through TX on its way back to winter range.

 

[nerdybirdy]

Oooh didnt realise there are fellow bird lovers on here. Will have to get on the other halfs computer and upload some on here! But for now do pet birdies count?

 

[Hector]

View attachment 45822

Is this a downy?

Ruth, you need to get a pic when their tongue is out!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Yup, male Downy. He was so intent on the feeder that he totally ignored me snapping pictures about 4 feet away!