Rufous hummingbird spotted in Northeast Ohio in late November

A hummingbird showed up in a backyard in Westlake on Nov. 23 – not the usual ruby-throated hummingbird, but a species that typically lives west of the Rockies and winters in Mexico. The question quickly became: Was it an immature male Allen’s hummingbird or a rufous hummingbird?

The homeowner put out a warm-water feeder so the bird had something to eat, and birders from Cleveland Metroparks were called to investigate. Soon after, expert bird bander Allen Chartier traveled from Michigan to band the bird and release it, allowing nature to take its course. Chartier holds both a bird banding permit and a special permit for hummingbird banding.

That raised a familiar dilemma: Leave nature alone, or intervene to save the bird’s life? Options could include transporting it south or keeping it indoors at a garden center or atrium for the winter, which would require someone to provide food and water until spring. Generally, the rule of thumb is to leave nature alone – she knows what’s best most of the time.

Medina County Park District Head Naturalist Shelley Tender said these tiny birds face challenges this time of year.

“These small birds need water and a constant food source for energy and protein,” Tender said. “They drink flower nectar and eat insects. This time of year, both are hard to find.”

Nature, however, does offer some help. Hummingbirds are known to follow yellow-bellied sapsuckers. These woodpecker relatives drill holes in trees to drink sap. As the sap drips, insects get stuck. When the sapsucker moves on, other birds can enjoy a high-energy drink along with the trapped insects – a meal in itself.

Chartier determined the visitor was a first-year juvenile male rufous hummingbird. He said the bird was strong, healthy and in great shape, weighing more than 4 ounces, the top end of its weight range. Hummingbirds can tolerate some cold weather.

Chartier also debunked the idea that this was an extremely rare event.

“I band three to eight hummingbirds per year in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan in November and December,” he said. “I’m watching for patterns. They seem to land in these Midwestern states coming from northwest of the Rockies, avoiding the Great Plains.”

Many questions remain. How did he get here? Did he wander out of his range, or did strong winds push him from Oregon to Ohio? Why was he migrating so late in the season, when September is the usual time?

The hope is that the bird drank the sugar solution for a couple of weeks, gained strength and put on a bit of weight, then headed south ahead of brutal cold and snowy weather. He has not been seen since Dec. 7. Because he was banded, there is a chance his final destination will someday be known.

Say a prayer – and include the words: rufous hummingbird to Mexico or bust.

Linda K. Schneider is a conservation educator and writer who inspires people to enjoy nature. She lives in Medina County.