Date: 10/12/2012

Number: 1

Today marks one week since the Ruby Throated Hummingbird arrived. Worked at home today so I was able to keep a look out for her. She was at the feeder at 6:45AM, temp 41F windy and raining. She came and went all day, sometimes gone 5 or 10 min, somes 30-45. Early afternoon I had not seen her for awhile and was hoping she decided it was her time go but no such luck. I believe she retreats across the road onto a cherry tree that is protected by fir trees. Perhaps finding insects there as I had seen Yellow-rumped warblers flitting in that area yesterday. High of 39 and windy. Late in the day some snow squall bands came through. (Mt. Washington/Presidential Range summits of the White Mountain National Forest are snow covered and the snow line is at 2700ft. Elevation here is 1600ft) At about 5:30PM, 34F, I replaced the chilly nectar with room temp nectar for her last few visits of the day. She flew off at 6:19PM. I made a few calls today and sent emails to update my contacts at NH Audubon and also had a helpful and comforting conversation with Anthony Hill of the Hummer Bird Study Group. Many of my friends have been emailing me constantly for an update on whether she has made her way. We are all praying for her especially tonight which it going to be the first real cold one. Photo ops were limited today since she no longer seems to perch on the leafless trees especially in this wind. Photos I did get were similar to those I have already posted of her at the feeder. My camera isn't great and I'm challenged trying to get her in focus against the snow covered mountains in the distance. But that's fine, we already know how cute, and beautiful she is. This one shows the situation and the reality she faces.

Carroll, NH

Latitude: 44.3 Longitude: -71.5

Observed by: Leslie
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