Ramsey Canyon, Sierra Vista - August 11, 2023

 On my first visit to ash Canyon in more than a month, I was told of a new hummingbird visiting the sanctuary, the Plain-capped Starthroat.  However, this bird apparently only comes around late morning or early afternoon.  I made a point of returning the next day, shortly before noon, only to find a full parking lot.  Obviously, there was a lot of interest in seeing this rare bird.  With no place to park, I reluctantly left but decided to run by Ramsey Canyon, where other uncommon hummingbirds have also been sighted.  While I saw nothing new, at least there was plenty of activity.

The Calliope is the smallest hummingbird in the U.S. and the male has a distinctive and very colorful set of rays on its throat.

The Rivoli's hummingbird, previously known as the Magnificent hummingbird, is a larger bird with unusual coloring.  The adult male has a turquoise cap and brilliant blue throat.  Unfortunately, the only ones around this day were juveniles whose colors are not yet developed.

A young Rufous hummingbird approaches the feeder where the Rivoli's is perched.

A juvenile Violet-crowned hummingbird is just starting to get its color.

A young Black-chinned hummingbird has its tongue partly out.  The tongue acts like a straw, allowing the bird to suck in large volumes of nectar.  With a very high metabolism, a hummingbird can consume twice its weight each day.

An adult male Rufous hummingbird is one of the most colorful of all.  Once again, however, only females and juvenile males were available this day.

After returning home, I spotted a Bullock's Oriole in the tree in my back yard.  The same bird has returned several times since, possibly because he captured a tasty Praying Mantis on his first visit.