Just some personal observations of Rufous Hummingbird behavior in Southern NV consuming insects.  The Rufous Hummers are in migration North and I found many in the higher elevation 8000+ ft confier forests of Mt. Charleston near the timber line.  There certainly were no feeders up there and more snow than wildflowers, but I observed the Hummers gleaning insects from the needles of the trees and around wet areas / mossy slopes in canyons and springs.  Insects certainly must be their staple as there are few other food sources for them.
 
I just thought it would be an interesting post given our winter visitor to DC this year and previous posts about insect consumption.
 
If you are ever in the Las Vegas area searching for a great birding spot, check out Corn Creek station in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge 20 miles North of sin city.  It is an oasis and the most productive spot in the area.  I had a dozen male Bullock's Orioles and a dozen male Lazuli Buntings in a single Mulberry Tree.  WOW!  Pretty easy pickings for Brewers Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Black Phoebe and Phainopeplas too.  
 
Denise Ryan
Washington, DC

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