I’ve always had a special interest in hummingbirds and have strived to see as many as possible in my travels. I have also spent considerable time with them in New York State. I have a total of 6 species of hummingbirds for the state and some excellent records among them. Here is my list as it stands at the moment.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird – I began seeing this species at my mother’s flowers when I was just a child. Since then, I’ve maintained hummingbird feeders and viewed them in fields and woodlands, having seen hundreds of them through the years.
Allen’s Hummingbird! – Found by Marybeth Zilnicki feeding in her well landscaped garden on 21 October 2023, I was able to visit and see the special bird, a first record for New York State. The bird stayed the winter, departing in early April.
Black-chinned Hummingbird – Found on 15 November 2023 in the Urban Garden’s on Randall’s Island in Manhattan. The bird was seen by a group of us from Sullivan County, Renee, Lance, Scotty and I on 18 November 2023. First New York State record. Photo below.
Anna’s Hummingbird – Just the one so far.
Immature Female – Liberty, Sullivan County October 29 – November 21, 2007 at the home of Dave and Linda Boyce. I was fortunate enough to figure out the identification on this juvenile female bird, have it confirmed and draw people from near and far for this New York State second record.
Calliope Hummingbird – Seen twice, but a total of three birds.
Two immature Males – Fort Tryon, New York County December 5, 2001
Adult Male – Eastport, Suffolk County November 19, 2022
Rufous Hummingbird – I have had the pleasure of seeing six of them in New York. Here is the list:
Immature Female – Cornwall, Orange County October 22, 2011
Immature Female – Lenoir Nature Preserve Westchester County November 30, 2011
Immature Female – Aquebogue, Suffolk County December 3, 2016
Adult Male – Edgemere Ave Greenwood Lake October 25, 2020
Immature Male – Goshen, Orange County August 9, 2022
Adult Male – Westbrookville, Sullivan County July 23, 2023
Bashakill Birder 