[cobirds] *No* Female Magnificent Hummingbird today...

COBirders,

I've sat (working) at the window all day from before daylight until after sunset, but no Mag...

She was seen yesterday morning & midday(ish) and despite the cold she looked/acted her usual healthy self. She fed from the feeder, hung out on the heat lamp wire, but didn't particularly huddle next to the heat.

I could not spot her when I got home around 3:45pm and I did not see her that afternoon/evening, despite sitting at the window & watching until dusk/dark. We left the outside lights on since Steve said some desperate hummers will feed at night, but that they don't see/fly well in the dark. We left the heat lamp on the feeder although it barely remained unfrozen given the -7ºF low temperatures. That said, there was clear access to 3:1 solution, and it was clearly lit/visible. We avoided the deck in case she wished to remain/roost on it. She wasn't seen.

Did she decide it was too cold and it was time time to move on? I hope so. It clearly was too cold for comfort, and was only getting colder. She had good condition (and fat supplies) so hopefully she decided not to spend another cold night, and left yesterday afternoon.

I'll keep the heater/lights on for another day or so, but I'm also hoping she's a lot further south right now. I've heard stories of other hummers surviving multiple nights of -5ºF in Colorado, so I'd not bet against this Mag surviving the cold.

We may never learn the outcome of her stay here, but I've learned not to underestimate this bird...

regards,

Adam
--

Adam R. B. Jack

Coal Creek Canyon
http://www.neukadye.com

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