Travel
Tale: A Rufous Hummer in Indiana
What a surprise
the week of March 9, 2006. A Journey North observer sent these photos of
an unusual sighting. It looks normal enough, doesn't it? But this rufous
hummingbird is in Poseyville, Indiana! The bird first showed up at Happy
Broadhead's feeder in November. Other experts then verified and banded it.
Much to Happy's surprise, the bird stuck around all winter! (It's the only
rufous ever known to do this in Indiana.)
How
would you explain this strange sighting?
Challenge
Questions
- What factors can you list that could explain this rufous
sighting in Indiana?
- What factors
could explain the overall increase in rufous sightings?
(Hint:
There is no one right answer that scientists agree on!)
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