[TN-Bird] Black-chinned Hummingbird in Loretto (Lawrence County) TN

From: tnbarredowl@xxxxxxx
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:16 -0500 (EST)
At the end of October, my dad had a hummer arrive at his feeder.  I was able to 
get good looks at that bird and a few decent photos.  The bird appeared to be 
Ruby-throated, based on plumage, but it had a thick, red based bill.  I sent 
photos to Bob Sargent who confirmed that the bird was a Ruby-throated and the 
bill was likely injured, causing the reddening and swelling.  Last Friday, dad 
called me and said he saw the Ruby-throated chasing a second hummer, but only 
saw the Ruby-throated visit his feeder.  I suggested he but out a second feeder 
and he did.  On Wednesday, he saw both hummers at the same time at the two 
different feeders.  He described the second bird as having a gray head and said 
it had no rufous on its side or tail.  He also said it regularly pumped its 
tail.  I visited him on Saturday and got great looks and decent photos of the 
bird.  The bird definitely had a gray head, no rufous and pumped its tail 
regularly.  Looking at my photos, I could tell the outer primaries are 
definitely broad and rounded and the the tail extends just beyond the wing 
tips.  The bill is slightly drooped.  All characteristics point to 
Black-chinned Hummingbird.  The Ruby-throated was not seen on Friday or 
Saturday.  I'll send photos to Bob for ID confirmation.

My dad (Don) and step-mom (Jane) will welcome all birders who want to see the 
bird.  Viewing is actually best from his kitchen, and they will gladly allow 
birders to come in whenever they are home.  Call ahead of your visit to 
schedule a good time to stop by.  They prefer visitors not arrive before 7:30 
and the bird seems to be most regularly seen in the morning.  The feeder can be 
seen from the end of the driveway, though birders will have to stay on the 
pavement and be careful so as not to disturb the birds (seed feeders near the 
hummingbird feeder).  The feeder is hanging from an oak near his back porch.  
When it is not feeding, the hummer likes to perch in a hydrangea shrub under 
the tree.  The second feeder is on the back porch and may not be visible from 
the pavement.  I only saw the bird use this feeder once.  Dad has three dogs 
that LOVE to bark but don't know how to bite. They may be an issue (barking), 
however, if you try to watch for the hummer from the driveway.

Directions:  Loretto is located in Lawrence County, about 12 miles south of 
Lawrenceburg.  Travel south on Hwy. 43 to Loretto.  Loretto has two red lights. 
 From the second (southern) light, continue south on Hwy. 43 another 0.6 miles 
then turn right on Demumbrum Street (VERY large white oak at this 
intersection).  For those coming north from Alabama, Demumbrum Street will be 
the second left after the "Welcome to Loretto" sign.  Head west on Demumbrum 
about 0.1 mile to 2nd Avenue, turn right then immediately left to the next 
section of Demumbrum St.  Dad's driveway will be just short of 1 mile from 2nd 
Avenue.  After you pass Loretto High School, Demumbrum St. becomes Riddle Lane 
(name change only, no turn needed).  Dad's house is 424 Riddle Lane.  At the 
beginning of the driveway, there is a sign that says "Blueberry Ridge".

Contact Info:  Don and Jane Simbeck, 424 Riddle Lane, Loretto, TN (H) 
931-853-4944

Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL
[TN-Bird] Black-chinned Hummingbird in Loretto (Lawrence County) TN

Other related posts:
