The excitement I have in observation of a Rufous Hummingbird (a lifer) is resulting in what is commonly called insomnia. I'll likely squeeze in a couple hours sleep while I fear I will not wake in time to experience this spectacle now committed to. My thanks are extended to Stan Damon for his invitation to see this species which has been present for at least 16 days before dawn on 8 October in Lehigh Acres. I hope for the best considering a steady rain for the last five hours. Stan, Vince McGrath, and Vince's longtime friend Ed Becker from New Hampshire will be making a trip to the sod fields this morning with my envy of that trip as well. There has been an abundance of rain these past weeks in our subtropical climate which will impact spring observations already thought about. A ray of sunlight at dawn in observation of the hummer is hoped for decent photography and documentation of the bird. Before the observation effort I have had the thought, "Do hummingbirds sing," like commonly seen birds? Investigation has divulged that hummingbirds have a very rapid chirping. Their song is nearly overwhelmed by the flapping of its wings which sounds like a bee when the bird is on the move. I recommend you research this further. The rain has stopped and the night sky appears to be clearing. I can finally get to sleep now. The morning was not a loss after sleeping through the clock's alarm. I got a wake up call from Tom Obrock advising me that he was observing the hummingbird. By the time I got to the Damon home, Tom was in Alva observing Merlin and Red-headed Woodpecker. Mrs. Damon was a very gracious and enjoyable host to spend the late morning with. Mitzi coined the Merlin as the Cheetah of the Falcon world after I noted it as the fastest predator I had yet seen. Mitzi and I watched the hummingbird appear numerous times in less than a few hours time. In fact there were two of the species observed with thought of female or juvenile with the dominant male. The sightings were made from from a distance of sixty plus feet. This was especially far to observe and photograph a bird less than four inches in length. I was reluctant to get closer until I had an understanding of the behavior of the bird. The Rufous Hummingbird is known to have territorial dominance over other hummer species twice its weight as well as those of its own kind. A follow-up visit was made to the Damon's place on day 21 of the Rufous Hummingbird's presence. I met Mitzi walking her dog while driving through the neighborhood before dawn. I greeted Stan a few minutes later as he was picking up the morning newspaper. We immediately began our observation for the hummer which appeared on cue. The hummingbird put on an incredible show as it darted from one citrus tree perch to another. The bird's tongue was seen frequently as it seemingly tasted the air (hummingbirds are thought to have have minimal taste function and don't taste the air) while it indulged in preening itself on a few occasions. The dominant male was the only Rufous Hummingbird personally observed this day although Stan has photographic evidence of four distinct birds of this species in his backyard since the Rufous Hummingbird's first sighting. The time passed all too quickly as I enjoyed viewing photographs Stan has taken of the wildlife he's seen in the area. Ruth Woodall, a Birdpatrol guide, and Ken Hodgson, Caloosa Bird Club Chairman and New Yorker, arrived before I parted ways. The Caloosa Bird Club is celebrating its 53rd year. One of the most remarkable stories I heard was of a Snail Kite that was consumed for breakfast by a Great Horned Owl in Stan's front yard. Stan advised me that the Peregrine Falcon has quicker mobility than Merlin with PEFA noted as the fastest animal in the world. Although Vince has speculated that the Rufous Hummingbird(s) may overwinter in Lehigh Acres, Stan commented to me that he believes the dominant bird is recovering from a molt, and may move on when its feathers are grown in. There was discussion of a wildlife venue I have yet visited which I hope to be able to mention in detail in the future with Ruth's approval.
Bob, we have enjoyed your beautiful photography for a long time, but we wanted you to know how much we like your narrative! You really "set the scene" for the reader and that enhances your outstanding photography. Thanks for a job well done, Bob!
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Janet and Aaron Kirk
Hi Bob!. I have no words. IM-PRE-SSI-VE!. Greetings
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