Young Hummingbird or Adult?

     All Ruby-throats that will be migrating to our yards over the Spring will be adult birds. They will primarily search out feeders, and remember them for years to come. Later on, as the young leave the nest, it will be confusing to identify the young from the adults. There are actually many ways to differentiate between them, and here's a couple. Once you know the good flowers for hummingbirds, and you see a bird show up at an unusual or less common one, it should tell you this is not normal. This Calendula is very low on the priority chart for hummingbirds. However, this young bird is clueless to what's good and what's not. All the young birds see colour and it looks like a Candyland Playground. They will fly and feed from them all, and then determine which ones require a return visit. Also, look at the feet hanging down. Young birds develop coordination for the first week from the nest and use their feet for balance, and will be seen in just about everything they do. As time passes, their feet will tuck in tighter and be seen far less often. At first glance, this bird appears like an adult, but knowing how to tell them apart, should quickly tell you this is a young bird. N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta 2015

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