A First for Connecticut

For a few weeks, Connecticut Birding experienced a first, a Black-Chinned Hummingbird.  While I had seen my first one of these beautiful birds in Texas in May, it was great to see one in CT and see this record BCHU.  This wonderful find turned up at a private residence and the owner was kind enough to let a number of birders see this record little fella.

Record birds represent an interesting facet of ornithology and bird migration.  How did the bird get here?  How is it surviving in a strange environment?  What is compelling it to stay?  Are we even sure this is a rare bird?  Not that I have any answers to these questions.  I think its worth reflecting on the voyage that this migrant has made before it leaves and hopefully returns to its flock.

That last one was inspired by what I always say when I see a rare bird.  Am I sure that's a rare bird?  For this BCHU, I am fairly certain that it is a rare bird.  Since it was a CT First I decided to fill out a Rare Bird Report Form.  Even if this form wasn't the best one, I really enjoyed the experience of filling out the form.  As a closing, I leave you with a selection from said form. Until the next time...

"Since CT is home to the Ruby-Throated that was the first bird that I compared the bird I found to.  The first thing that I noticed was the unusual chin markings and eye markings. The Chin markings are the ones that lead to me to verify that this is a BCHU.  They are clearly different from a RTHU and the photos match the descriptions found in Sibley’s Bird Guide. "

A Black-Chinned Hummingbird in Connecticut

Another View

In Flight and Feeding

A Real Joy to Behold, a Texas Treat in Connecticut

Book Review - Rare Bird by Maria Ruth

The story of the marbled murrelet is a mysterious one.  With so many people have explored, investigated, and observed the natural world, we struggle when a genuine mystery finds itself on our doorstep.  For a long time the nesting habits and life cycle of the marble murrelet were unknown and discovered almost by accident.  Actually, entirely by accident.  The book traces through several different themes and questions about man's role in the natural world and the future of the natural world.

The struggles of the Marbled Murrelet are almost entirely man-made.  Even the natural predators of the fog lark (what many loggers call the bird) have benefited from contact with the human world.  The Corvid species of the world have managed to adapt and even expand their ranges due to the influence around the continent.  Why are Corvids (Jays, Ravens, etc) flourishing while birds like the Marbled Murrelet struggle for survival?

So I'm not going to answer those questions because Ruth's narration and her own insertion into the story of this bird are more useful engines for that discussion.  I'll wrap up with this with a heavy endorsement of Ruth's book.  Her journey into the fog-laden world of this bird is mixed with humorous anecdotes and reflection. I would encourage anyone who wants to expand beyond listing and think about following the life, evolution, and environment of the birds they see.  Its good reading for your bird book list!

The Marbled Murrelet by the USGS

2013 List: 81
American Oystercatcher

Some Links to learn more:
http://www.mariaruthbooks.com/
http://www.mariaruthbooks.com/aboutmurrelets.htm