Thanks to Bruce Peterjohn, we now have a definitive ID on the hummingbird at
Green Spring Park in Annandale. Since at least October 23, many birders and
photographers have observed what we now know to be a hatch year female Rufous.
I’m sure many of them, including me, would appreciate knowing how the ID was
made. Was it by measurement of the R5 tail feathers? Was a notch or pinch
detectable in the R2 feathers? Is the color of the feathers around the eye
important? Also wondering if a feather is ever taken from a hummingbird for a
DNA analysis? And, if not, why not? If Bruce monitors this list, it would be
great if he could answer these questions for the intensely curious among us?
Thanks!
Paula Sullivan
Alexandria
