Broad-tailed Hummingbird – New Jersey’s First State Record!

Back in January, during a four day long rarity round-up trip throughout PA and NJ, trying to pick up as many rare birds as possible; my friends and I joined Sam Galick in visiting a ‘Selaphorus’ hummingbird at 1026 Batt’s Lane in Cape May, NJ. Prior to our visit that day, the identification of the bird was uncertain. Sam and I were able to take a few photos of the spread tail of the bird, and among the birders of New Jersey, it was determined to be yet another Rufous Hummingbird. Another Rufous Hummer nearby (at the Goshen Center) that had been present since November of 2011 sort of stole the show from this new Rufous. Then, today I got an email from Sam saying that new photos were taken of the Batt’s Lane bird, and the bird appears to have molted in new tail feathers, and everything looks good for the bird actually being a Broad-tailed Hummingbird! Making this the first state record of that species! Below are some photos I took of the Broad-tailed back in January, when we figured it was ‘just another’ Rufous…..

Broad-tailed Hummingbird - New Jersey's First State Record (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux on 1/15/12)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird - New Jersey's First State Record (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux on 1/15/12)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird - New Jersey's First State Record (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux on 1/15/12)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird - New Jersey's First State Record (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux on 1/15/12)

Here is some more information about this bird and a few links to other birder’s photos –
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/6944771047/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/6944770957/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/6944770847/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/6798656222/

Garr, the homeowner, has given us permission to view the Broad-tailed at his home- 1026 Batt’s Lane, Cape May, NJ 08204. Please follow this map carefully:

http://g.co/maps/ks6db

We request that you park on the side of SHUNPIKE ROAD and walk around the corner to the residence, as there’s hardly a shoulder along Batt’s Lane. There’s an appropriate area in blue on the map in Garr’s side yard where you can stand to view the bird. It has defended the large Firebush and Hydrangea there wildly all winter long from other birds. It perches frequently, sunning/preening/calling the whole time. There’s a hummingbird feeder behind the Firebush on the side of the house where it feeds.