New Hummingbird Resident to Walker Lake, Nevada
The Costa's Hummingbirds have added a new and colorful accent to my garden
landscape over the spring and summer of 2013.
I noticed one or two of the
brilliant hummers coming to my feeders over the last few years, however this
year the Costa's appear to outnumber the Broad-tailed hummingbirds which are
here every summer.
Costa's are a desert hummingbird which migrate from south of the U.S. boarder in winter to spend the breeding season in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of California and Arizona. So why is this tiny hummingbird that measures from 3-3½ inches (7.6–8.9 cm) in length so far north in the Great Basin Desert, I am most curious. However I have been informed that the migration routes of many birds are changing due to weather patterns.
The colorful Costa's male has green upper parts and displays a vivid violet crown with a gorget (throat patch) that extends out from both sides of his throat.
The immature Costa's and adult females have a white throat with gray-buff on upper-parts, and may even show a few violet feathers.
Costa's feed on flower nectar and the small insects that are found on flower petals. Like most hummingbirds, they are also attracted to sugar water in feeders.
I suspect that the Costa’s have managed to raise a new “charm” of hummers, which are keeping me on the run to re-fill their feeders with nectar water. Well, what a small price for so much lively entertainment.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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Simply Fabulous! Capturing nature in all it's beauty. Love it, My Friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn, great to hear from you, hope you are enjoying the summer!
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