2014-12-08 San Diego Botanic Gardens

Allen's Hummingbird

I set out very early to visit the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas California. People had been reporting Varied Thrushes there, and I wished to spend some time with these stunning birds. I did not know the park’s opening time was 9am, and I was met with a closed gate. Exploring the neighborhood seemed a reasonable way to kill some time, so I drove away to the north. There I found large parking venue and pulled in to survey the surroundings. It wasn’t long before I found a dazzling male Allen’s Hummingbird. At least that’s what I decided to call him. They are very difficult to distinguish from Rufous Hummingbirds, but Allen’s are more likely in San Diego, so …

The rest of the day was equally rewarding. I met many interesting avian subjects including the Varied Thrush I was seeking.