The hummingbird was at the feeder and heat lamp in the Ripley Garden from 
11:40 to noon today (12/21/04), perched on the heatlamp, making occasional 
sallies to the sugar water.  The feeder is in brilliant sunshine until noon 
(photographers take note) and the bird showed distinctive tail feather 
coloration.  The tail feathers start with a rufous-orange color, then dark 
brown or black and end with white spots.  The beak is slightly decurved, and 
the neck has light stripes on dull white.  Please note the tail coloration 
if you spot the bird.  Last year there were two hummers at the garden.

The bird is seemingly in good health, preening, chattering and feeding.

While watching the hummingbird, two adult BALD EAGLES glided over the Mall, 
headed for the National Gallery of Art, and an immature and adult COOPER'S 
HAWK were seen.  Let's find a raptor nest on the Mall and challenge NYC for 
bragging rights.

Paul Mocko
McLean, VA