Hi all --

Paul O'Brien called us this morning saying the homeowner in Silver Spring with the hummingbird (reported on the Voice) had called him -- the bird was back afer a two-day absence. Paul knew we lived close to the location so we agreed to go check it out.

We arrived at about 9 a.m., setting up scope etc. in good view of the feeder which the bird has been frequenting. In about 10 minutes it came in and sat on the rim (it is one of those flying-saucer-type feeders); we had it in the scope. We waited about 20 minutes for a second appearance as I wanted to get some photos but when it came in again my camera malfunctioned (!!) so no photos were obtained. We left about 9:45.

However, all the field marks are consistent with the original identification of Ruby-throated Hummingbird, most probably adult female. The crown, nape and back were bright green (unlike the expected grayish crown of Black-chinned), ear coverts somewhat gray, the throat white with no obvious "spangles"; primary projection when perched was distinctly shorter than the tail - the dark basal color and the white tips of the tail feathers clearly visible beyond the wing tips, when seen from the side. The tips of the primaries were rounded but not noticeably expanded or spatulate, as were the primaries of the Smithsonian Black-chinned hummer of two winters ago. The bill length was hard to estimate as it was inserted into the feeder tube <gr>.

We had hoped that this very late hummer was going to be Maryland's first (we think?) Black-chinned but alas, not.

Thanks to Paul for following up on this, and to the home-owner for allowing us access to her garden while she was at work.

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD