11/2 – 11/3: Fairfield – BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD

An incredible bird for my hometown (and for CT!), an immature male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus alexandri) was found visiting a Fairfield yard around October 23rd. It wasn’t until the beginning of November, however, that this first state record’s identity and continued presence were confirmed.

I was notified the day birders started visiting the yard (November 2nd), while on the way back from a fantastic trip to Litchfield County with Jim Orrico. We hurriedly made our way home, and arrived at the yard to find many of our birding friends already present. With just over an hour of daylight left, we concentrated our senses on trying to find this terrific visitor. We never saw it, although we likely heard it vocalize on its way to roost.

I returned to the yard the next morning, finding scores more of Connecticut’s birders on the scene, and was finally able to pin down some great looks at this bird (both flying and perched), and also enjoy its vocalizations. I was even able to grab some photos when the hummingbird visited one of the sage bushes in the yard just feet away from me.

It was truly an awesome experience. I spent some time with some great birders and an amazing bird, and best of all, it all occurred right in my hometown! What a bird for my Fairfield list! Photos below:

-Alex