Our thanks to Andy in McFarland, Wisconsin for hosting this immature rufous hummingbird. On November 14, 2008, Andy was looking outside at a hummingbird feeder that had been left in place. The ruby throated hummingbirds had long departed Wisconsin, yet, there was a hummingbird at the feeder. The information about the hummingbird was disseminated on the Wisconsin Birding List and numerous people came to see the bird. He was subsequently identified as an immature male rufous hummingbird, and he was named "Petey".

Because of our schedules, we could not go to see Petey until November 22. We were concerned that with the cold temperatures here, that Petey might move on soon. Here are the daytime high and low temperatures (Fahrenheit) in the week that Petey has been present:

high low

Nov. 15 39 35

Nov. 16 33 27

Nov. 17 33 25

Nov. 18 32 16

Nov. 19 43 30

Nov. 20 32 22

Nov. 21 26 12

Our digital camera does not take the best pictures. Plus, the location of the feeder was in the shade. We are grateful to Pat Ready for allowing us to post this higher quality picture that shows rufous gorget feathers:

Petey appeared to be quite healthy and fat. We hope that he is fattening up for his future journeys, wherever that may be.

Petey remained at his temporary home in McFarland, WI until December 11. Here are more temperatures that he endured:

high low

Nov. 22 35 18

Nov. 23 40 23

Nov. 24 36 29

Nov. 25 35 23

Nov. 26 40 15

Nov. 27 42 17

Nov. 28 42 21

Nov. 29 42 17

Nov. 30 36 30

Dec. 1 29 16

Dec. 2 34 15

Dec. 3 34 14

Dec. 4 19 7

Dec. 5 22 6

Dec. 6 29 10

Dec. 7 16 -6

Dec. 8 30 17 6.5 inches snow

Dec. 9 29 15

Dec. 10 22 0

Here is the hummer host's account of Petey's last sighting:

For those keeping tabs, the Rufous hummer at my house since Nov. 14th finally flew the coop last night. At least that's what I'd like to believe!

Last night he was uncharacteristically sitting under the heat lamp by the feeder after dark at 5:30 PM. My wife thought he was hurt. When I walked out to look at him he flew up and hovered, looked at me then he flew higher over the house to the south and never returned. I'd like to believe that he was migrating as he almost always went to roost by 4 PM to the north. But who knows? A cursory search of the property today didn't turn up a dead hummer.

We'll see if he shows up next year!