So, anyone see any hummingbirds lately?

Probably not, but if you have, by now it's a good chance it is NOT a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. October and early November are prime time for rare hummingbird vagrants, such as:

Rufous Hummingbird (6-8 records for Maine)
Calliope Hummingbird (1 record for Maine - just last week!)
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird
Green Violet-Ear (has occurred as close as New Jersey)

Rufous Hummingbird is by far the most likely, and I am not convinced that only 6-8 have ever occurred in Maine. I'm sure that that number only reflects how many records birders have adequately documented and submitted. Many more likely pass by undetected or undocumented.

So, keep your feeders cleaned, nurse those slavia a little longer, and keep your eyes open (and have our store's phone number handy if you see one!) Just this week, Rufous-type hummingbirds were found in Epsom, New Hampshire and Byfield, Massachusetts. They're out there!

Hey, tell you what - $20 Gift Certificate to our store for the first person who finds a rare hummingbird - and I get to see it! (Hint: leave your phone number at your local garden center and ask them to keep an eye out in their plantings and greenhouses!)