This yr started with an exhilarating begin for me as a birder and chicken photographer. January gifted me eight unimaginable new hummingbird species so as to add to my lifer record, every one dazzling and distinctive in its personal method. From the northeastern aspect of Trinidad on the Bajnath’s Hummingbird Sanctuary to the Birding Paradise Lodge again house in Panamá, these tiny marvels flitted about creating unforgettable moments and reminiscences.
Let me share a bit about every species I used to be lucky sufficient to come across on these two journeys.
First Cease: Bajnath’s Hummingbird Sanctuary, Trinidad
Nestled within the lush northeastern area of Trinidad, Bajnath’s Hummingbird Sanctuary is a dream vacation spot for any hummingbird fanatic. Out of the 18 hummingbird species formally recorded in Trinidad and Tobago, I’m advised 14 might be noticed right here, a really spectacular selection! This was my first cease, a household outing that changed into an unforgettable expertise. I not solely had the great fortune of seeing 5 new hummingbird species but additionally had the pleasure of assembly up with 10000birds.com fellow author Faraaz Abdool.
1)The Tufted Coquette hummingbird: The crown jewel of Trinidad’s hummingbirds, in my humble opinion. At nearly 6.5 cm, it’s one of many smallest hummingbirds on the earth. Males are immediately recognizable with their fiery orange crest and noticed throat. Watching them hover is sort of surreal they appear like tiny flying ornaments.
2)The Lengthy-billed Starthroat hummingbird: True to its title, this hummingbird’s throat shimmers with starry flecks when caught within the gentle. It’s a stunning species that appears to glow with each motion, making it a photographer’s delight.
3)The Rufous-breasted Hermit hummingbird: This species is a little bit of an unsung hero amongst hummingbirds I consider. With its longer curved invoice, it’s well-adapted to feeding on flowers with deep corollas. They’re much less flashy however fascinating to look at as they flit purposefully round.
4) The Inexperienced Hermit hummingbird: Bigger than most hummingbirds and has a hanging metallic inexperienced physique. Its lengthy tail feathers give it a chic look, particularly when it’s darting round. Watching this species was like watching a chunk of emerald in movement.
5)The Brown Violetta hummingbird: This chicken is thought for its shimmering violet ear patches and its behavior of defending feeding territories aggressively, even from birds a lot bigger than itself! These feisty little birds are as daring as they’re lovely.
Second Cease: Birding Paradise Lodge, Panamá
My second January outing took me again house to Panamá, to the Birding Paradise Lodge. Whereas I didn’t anticipate to come across many hummingbirds right here, I used to be in for an exquisite shock. Among the many vibrant gardens and trails of this lodge, I used to be greeted by three new hummingbird species that stole the present.
1)The Purple-crowned Fairy hummingbird: This hummer stands out for its shimmering purple crest that appears to catch the daylight at each angle. They’re small however commanding in look, making them inconceivable to overlook. They pierce the bottom of the flower to suck the nectar and I’m advised they by no means go to the feeders within the backyard.
2) The Charming hummingbird: Sure, thats what they’re known as and they’re certainly charming little hummingbirds. The males show sensible inexperienced and blue tones, whereas the females are extra subtly coloured. Their fast, darting actions are each entertaining and difficult to {photograph}.
3)The Scaly Breasted hummingbird: It’s a little bit of an enigma with its refined magnificence. Its underparts are marked with superb scale-like patterns, giving it a textured look. They’re quiet and fewer showy however no much less fascinating if you take the time to look at them intently.
After all, these weren’t the one hummingbirds on show. Each areas had some acquainted favourites together with the dazzling White-necked Jacobin, the energetic Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, the Snowy Bellied, White Chested Emerald, Blue Chinned Sapphire, Copper Rumped, Black-throated Mango and the fiery Ruby Topaz every contributing to the kaleidoscope of shade and motion.
These journeys didn’t solely expose me to new hummingbird species but additionally added a wide range of different avian beauties, together with the elusive Sunbittern, to my lifers record, however thats for an additional submit.