Date: 03/03/2006

Number: 1

On 02/25/2006, I photographed a Rufous-backed hummingbird that appeared to have had a clear white throat. Today, I was able to get clear photos to confirm my suspicions, it is another juvenile Rufous hummingbird male in gorget molt! He is protecting a small area of flowering Bottlebrush and Melaleuca, hawking small gnat-like insects.

March 10
It appears I have 2 more rufous-backed juvenile rufous hummers in gorget molt and one of those is also in tail molt...what is happening? Has there been any new findings as to why rufous hummers seem to be spending time elsewhere during their molt? Maybe due to the disturbance in the Gulf, or nectar corridor destruction due to development.

Nipomo, CA

Latitude: 35 Longitude: -120.5

Observed by: Jackie
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