Rufous Hummingbird in Dane County

Jeremy2 Comments

A Rufous Hummingbird was found at Govenor Nelson State Park in Dane County on 10/16. That was the first day I was gone for my Hawaii vacation, and I did not get back home until the end of the month. The first day I had a chance to try for it was on Saturday, 11/11. That morning, it was cold, and temps were in the 20’s. On the ride out there, I kept thinking there was no way it would stick around in this weather, which would typically be my luck. I got there just before sunrise, and I waited by the entrance building. Within 15 minutes or so, it flew into a tree on the east side of the building and then down to one of the feeders. I spent almost 3 hours out there and saw it 7 more times. I can’t believe I was able to see this bird! I’m really glad it stuck around for over a month. Subsequently, I missed the Clark’s Nutcracker that was seen in Dane County just a few days after this bird was found. I knew that one would not stay very long. Photos below are from Saturday, November 11th. If you would like to see additional photos than the ones below, click the link to the gallery page. Enjoy!

Rufous Hummingbird – Jeremy Meyer Photography (jmeyerphotography.net)

Anna’s Hummingbird at Private Residence in Milwaukee

Jeremy4 Comments

A hummingbird was spotted at a private residence late yesterday evening. Usually, a hummingbird this late is a rare vagrant and this one happened to be an Anna’s Hummingbird! I was invited over by the resident, to view and photograph the hummingbird. I was there for almost two hours, and it showed three times. The first appearance was brief, and it was very curious of me. I moved away from the flowers and further into the backyard. The second appearance was a little longer and it went down to feed on the Cuphea flower. It stayed on the backside of the flower and did not provide any viewing for us. After 30 seconds or so, it flew up into the evergreen and then flew away. About a half hour later, I noticed it fly up into the apple tree to the north and then it disappeared behind the arborvitaes. It popped out right next to us, only maybe 7′ feet away! It hovered near us for a few seconds and then went back to the Cuphea. It feed on the flower for quite some time and provided excellent looks, in perfect sunlight! A very chilly afternoon, especially since I just spent the last two weeks in Hawaii. Hopefully this little guy can stay warm enough to continue his journey south. A big thank you for the invitation to come over and try for this bird! Photos below are from Monday afternoon, 10/30/23. Enjoy!

Here is a link the see the last Anna’s Hummingbird to pass through Milwaukee County (2016) in Wauwatosa.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Allen’s Hummingbird in Wisconsin!

Jeremy8 Comments

An Allen’s Hummingbird was coming to a private residence since the week before Thanksgiving. It was banded on 12/17/20, which confirmed the ID of the species. It is the first state record for Wisconsin! The home owner was extremely nice and allowed people to visit her yard to see it! Thank you!!! I tried for it on Saturday morning 12/19, and saw it almost immediately after arriving. It was very cooperative and came to the feeder quite frequently. The last time viewing it, he sat in a few different trees and came to the feeder several times, spending about 5 minutes in view, providing excellent looks. Life bird for me! Photos below are from the morning of. Enjoy!