Augusta County, VA 11/10/2020

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

I was fortunate to learn about a very rare avian visitor to Virginia. A Calliope Hummingbird, usually only seen in western North America, was spotted coming to flowers and feeders on private property in Augusta County, VA. I asked the owner for permission to look for it, and in less than 15 minutes, saw my life bird species #774. It stayed for a few minutes, flew away, and returned again about 15 minutes later for a few more photos. Several other avian species were seen coming to the feeders there, including Pine Siskin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, House Finch, Downy Woodpecker, and a few others.

The white breast with buffy sides, combined with its streaked gorget containing a few rosy spots indicates that this Calliope Hummingbird is an immature (sub-adult) male (October through December). In the first two photos below, you can see its spatulate central tail feathers that are often difficult to see.

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird

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Calliope Hummingbird


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