Strange Migration

Some folks on the East Coast (USA) know just when the hummingbirds arrive for the season and exactly when they will leave. It is a north/south migration we are talking about, right?

Not always, it appears. There is the "Eastern winter hummingbird". Studies involving capture and banding are indicating that some rufous hummingbirds (which have been understood to nest in the Northwest (USA) and winter in Mexico) are instead heading for the East Coast come winter.

One was found in Richmond, Va., then Montana, then Richmond the next winter.

Interesting "Washington Post" story by D'Vera Cohn. (Link)