Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird. 

Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property.

I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

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Episode related links:

🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/ 🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html  🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/  🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/ 🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com

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