Some of the least understood populations of birds in the nation are West Texas Hummingbirds. As a result under the cooperation of Cornell Lab of Ornithology, West Texas Avian Research, and Perky Pet Feeders, a live webcam is currently operating in the Trans-Pecos area of Texas. The camera is located on private property in the Davis Mountains. As of today there are two feeders active. Rufous, Broad-tailed, and Magnificent are the common species of West Texas hummingbirds.
I captured a screen shot from the live cam that has examples of all 3 of these species. Thanks to all of the sponsors of this unique opportunity to see these birds. I have attached the screen shot below. In addition are links to the sponsors and to the live webcam. The Magnificent Hummingbird (formerly Rivoli’s), is the brilliant adult male on the left. The Magnificent is the 2nd largest hummer found in the US. It is slightly smaller than the similar Blue-Throated Hummingbird. Both species are found in West Texas. In addition they both inhabit pine-oak forests and canyons. Ordinarily at elevations above 5,000 feet.
The Rufous Hummingbirds breed farther north than any other hummingbird. The one in the photo (right) has a brilliant orange plumage.
The 3 Broad-tailed Hummingbirds pictured here are Western mountain hummers. However they frequent lowlands in winter and migration.
Additionally hummingbirds are not the only visitors to the feeders. See the bottom photo.
I added an additional screenshot on 10/26/2015. The curators removed one feeder. As a result there is a bit of a traffic jam at the remaining feeder.
This visitor was a bit larger than the usual!
Houston, TX Sept 26, 2016
West Texas Avian Webcam Capture – Sept 25, 2016