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Subadult plumage
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Molting into an adult
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His adult crown
The Three Faces of Arthur
November-December 2024
Ben Lomond, California
The three photos above show three moments in Arthur’s transformation from a subadult male Anna’s Hummingbird to an adult hummingbird. (You can read more about my friend Arthur here: https://carlabrennan.com/catch-of-the-day-my-brilliant-friend/)
The first photo shows him in classic subadult plumage. In the next photo, we see him molting his old feathers as new ones develop around his face. In the last image, Arthur is in his full adult radiance with his gorgeous gorget crown of iridescence. This photo was just taken a few days ago. The whole transformation took about five weeks.
Anna’s Hummingbird’s live an average of 8.5 years. As a new kid on the block, I hope Arthur’s life is long and healthy with plenty of sweet sap. For now, the two shrubs outside my door are his castle where he rests between forays in search of nourishment.
Please leave a comment so I know you were here.
Your photos and blogs have the extraordinary ability to draw me into intimacy with these birds. I care about them. I’m grateful to you for that. Thanks!
birds are my thing! thanks carla…