Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) sighted in Sitka

Observation by Andrew Atkinson:

Rufous hummingbird spotted in January in Sitka, Alaska. Usually first spotted in early spring, this is the earliest I have ever seen a hummingbird in this region.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Rufous hummingbirds migrate seasonally from Southeast Alaska to central Mexico, charting one of the longest migrations for a bird of their size. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these birds travel up the Pacific coast in late winter through spring, reaching British Columbia around May. Once they reach Southeast Alaska, they may begin their journey south along the Rocky Mountains as early as July. They are known to have excellent memories and have been documented returning to specific feeding areas year after year.

Observers participating in E-bird, an online bird tracking platform, have documented Rufous Hummingbird appearances along their entire species range, but no observations have been submitted of one appearing in Alaska between December - February.