Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), Patagonia, Paton's House, Santa Cruz County

This Ruby-throated Hummingbird was discovered by Robin Baxter on 12 September 2008 at the Paton's House feeders in Patagonia and it was photographed by Christie Van Cleve on 13 and 14 September 2008

The first Arizona record of Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a female, came in late December 2004 at a backyard feeder in Tucson. The second record was an adult male found on September 23, 2007 at Marion Paton's feeders in Patagonia. This bird is a potential third state record if approved by the Arizona Bird Committee.  Because of the similarity in date and location to last year's bird,  it is of course possible this is the same bird returning. 

Note the diagnostic red throat and black mask. 

14 September 2008, photos by Christie Van_Cleve

13 September 2008, photos by Christie Van_Cleve