Bruce Di Labio's Blog: December 11, 2011 Rufous Hummingbird at Eganville, Renfrew County.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

December 11, 2011 Rufous Hummingbird at Eganville, Renfrew County.

This morning, while reading the Ottawa Citizen Bird Column I noticed another report of a late hummingbird. This time it was coming to a feeder up the valley at Eganville. A couple of weeks earlier another hummer was reported from Russell, Ontario. Unfortunately not at a feeder and only seen briefly. With such a mild fall it didn't surprise me that a hummingbird was still alive. With an overnight low of -6c I hopping the bird was still ok. I waited till 9:00a.m. and phoned Lorna and Dennis Peterson. They reported that the hummer was resting in a crabapple tree near the feeder and that the hummingbird feeder food was frozen. I headed up and arrived around 10:30a.m. and the hummingbird had just left the feeder. The Peterson's informed me that the hummer was feeding every 15-30 minutes. I waited and it appeared on time. Jeff Skevington and his dad, Richard arrived soon after and we all got great views and numerous photos and a video. In Ontario the Rufous Hummingbird is a very rare visitor and has occurred in a number of locations including northern Ontario. There are only a few previously documented records of Rufous Hummingbird for eastern Ontario including a adult male at Algonquin Park, July 30-August 3, 1986, an immature male at Battersea near Kingston from September 16- December 19,1987, and another immature male at Kingston, November 21,2003-January 7, 2004. All were at hummingbird feeders. The Rufous Hummingbird is a well known vagrant to eastern North America and has occurred east to Newfoundland. Any late lingering hummingbird should be closely scrutinize and not assumed a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. There is also a very similar looking hummingbird in the selasphorus genus, the Allen's which has been found in the east. There is a difference in the tail pattern and hopefully that will show well in the video that Jeff obtained. Still no record of Allen's for Ontario.

Rufous hummingbird at feeder

Rear view showing some of tail pattern.

Side view of Rufous Hummingbird. Note ice floating in feeder.

3 comments:

A couple of newer paintings 2019 said...: Amazing! I thought all we got in Eastern Ontario were ruby throated.; December 11, 2011 at 7:58 PM
C Naturel said...: Congratulations for those excellent pictures, showing great details! Incredible bird to have in our vicinity...

Christian Renault
Pembroke; December 11, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Scott and Joan said...: Nice pics of your Valley treasure, good neighbours to observe Dad and Lorna; December 13, 2011 at 8:03 PM

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Sunday, December 11, 2011

December 11, 2011 Rufous Hummingbird at Eganville, Renfrew County.

3 comments:

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