Mighty Rufous are here for the season (March - July)

Chilli peppers and spice  could describe this gorgeous tiny male Rufous ... These miniature marvels have a spark inside them like nothing else I have ever encountered! 

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                   Yes indeed these birds are small but they are mighty!  
At just over 3 inches in length and weighing less than 5 grams ... these tiny titans make the most incredible migration journey.    Nesting  from a few locations in N California & here in the Pacific NW , throughout the Western parts of BC into the and as far north as any hummingbird .... into Alaska , they make their way Northward every spring from wintering areas in Southern Mexico and Central America. (they can log  2000 to 3900 miles one way)
After nesting season the brilliantly feathered males begin the trip South as early as mid June, followed by the females and young of the year in early July and through the Summer.  The past 2 or three years I have had a few juvenile male Rufous stay at my Hummingbird Haven as late as mid September, but most are gone before July comes to an end.
As you may well imagine, I absolutely adore these birds and joyfully celebrate their return each March.
Their status  is diminishing species, sadly as habitat destruction and likely pesticides erode their tiny insect food sources ... I have read they are disappearing by 2% / year. 
Did you know there are over 300 distinct species of Hummingbirds of which 3 are found seasonally here in British Columbia.  
​ They are only found between Alaska and South America (including the Carribean )   No other places on earth. 

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