Photo of immature male Rufous Hummingbird by Bill Hilton, Jr.

January 1, 2003 Happy New Year! "Rufie's first feeding of 2003: at 6:48, temperature 47 degrees, foggy drizzle.
Happy New Year!

January 2, 2003 More Cold Weather Coming! "Rufie showed up at 6:51, temperature 41 degrees and that's about as high as it's expected to get. Tomorrow has a projected high of 32, but Saturday it gets warmer, so it shouldn't be too rough on Rufie. Rufie's lookin' good. I was just thinking that after gazing at him all winter, the Ruby-throats will probably look a bit peculiar when they show up this Spring -- too long and slender. He's a chunky little guy. The bander did say Rufie was nice and fat -- that is one of measurements they take, although the fat determination is actually subjective rather than a measurement per se. But also I think Rufous's are shorter and stockier by nature than the Ruby-throats."

January 3, 2003 Slept In? "First saw Rufie at 7:00, temperature 30 degrees. I suspect he may have made an earlier visit, but that I was immersed in reading or something. I hurried out with fresh nectar (room temp.) He didn't come back again 'til 7:30, long enough for me to start worrying. !!! But he's okay.

January 4, 2003 Last Day "Rufie showed up at 7:05, temperature 24 degrees. I was getting worried. He looks fine.
5:00 pm :I think Rufie is gone. I haven't seen him since this morning, and although in the past he has been absent for hours during the day, he has always been here for a late feeding session before turning in for the night. I feel quite bereft. Strange that such a tiny critter could leave such a big hole in my heart! And yet, Sheri Williamson said he would probably leave between January and March, and it is January, but I was hoping he'd stay 'til March! I hope he's okay, will be watching the weather maps out west, wondering where he's gone... Whew! I feel like crying. It has been an inexpressible joy watching him all this time. Well, maybe he'll come back tomorrow morning. I'll keep the feeder maintained for some time before I throw in the towel.
Bless you, Rufie.