Delaware’s 1st Anna’s Hummingbird!

Read some newer info about the identification of this bird. 

Each winter, as word gets out to more and more people to keep their hummingbird feeders out and ready throughout the late fall and winter months, increasing reports of rare western hummingbirds have been surfacing across the eastern states. Literally hundreds of Rufous Hummingbirds were found at feeders along the east coast this winter as well as multiple Allen’s, Calliope, Black-chinned, Costa’s, and Anna’s Hummingbirds. The state of Delaware was fortunate enough to have quite a few Rufous Hummers discovered and also the first Anna’s Hummingbird to be recorded in the state!

This Anna’s Hummingbird was originally discovered and then banded back in November at a home in Newark, when it was determined to be an immature female (read more about this bird that molted into a male). The bird continues to be seen daily and visitors are welcome. More information can be found at Thermal Birding. My friends and I were able to see the hummingbird on the morning of January 2nd, and I was able to take the following photos. For someone like myself who is used to seeing Anna’s Hummingbirds in the desert southwest, it was a little odd to see one flying around a cold Delaware backyard, among Carolina Chickadees and White-throated Sparrows….

Anna's Hummingbird in Newark, DE. (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Anna’s Hummingbird in Newark, DE. (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Anna's Hummingbird in Newark, DE. (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Anna’s Hummingbird in Newark, DE. (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)