Birds and Nature

I found an apparent family group of 3-4 Olive-sided Flycatchers on Thursday just southwest of Salida where the coniferous forest was edged by a deciduous riparian area at about 8,000 feet in elevation. There were at least 3 and maybe 4 Olive-sided Flycatchers and to have that many in one location would seem to indicate this was a family. Additional at times more than one of flycatchers perched near each other on a branch of one of the large cottonwood trees. Since it was late in the afternoon the lighting was poor plus the birds either perched high above or at a distance. The following information from Birds of North America online leaves open the possibility that the birds did not nest in this location: "Fledglings typically observed with adults on territory 10–15 d after fledging, but reported with adults near the nest up to 17 d (Wright 1997) and 19 d (Altman 1999) after fledging. Mearns (1890) suggested that family groups stay together until fall migration, and those ...

These are two more pics taken of the albino hummingbird in the Salida, CO area earlier this week. I talked to the property owner just a little while ago and the bird has not returned. Please note that these were more distant so in addition to cropping to enlarge the bird I tweaked the lighting and contrast. SeEtta

Yesterday I was contacted about a possible albino hummingbird that had been photographed coming to feeders in the Salida, CO area. I believe this bird meets criteria for full albino rather than leucistic because it has very white feathering (rather than off-white or a pinkish bill and feet and reddish eyes. I cropped these photos taken by Judith Anne Smith and did not modify the coloration. True Albino hummingbirds are very rare as are leucistic hummingbirds, just more so. The other hummingbirds coming to the feeder are Broad-tailed and Rufous and I can't tell from these photos which specie it might be. The property owner where this albino hummingbird has come to the feeders this week is open to visits by interested birders if it stays around. Contact me if you are in the Salida area and would like to try for this beautiful hummer and I will connect you with the property owner. SeEtta 9-1-11 PostNote:  I exchanged photos today as I had Ms. Smith's name incorrect a...