Hmmm. Bird ID causes head scratching

Sara Sevey writes: Hi, saw the picture and from that angle it's hard to tell if it's an Anna, Ruby-Throated or maybe a Spot-Throated Hummingbird. As for the plant, it's just plain ugly. Sara

Greg Johnson writes: Your merlot is safe from me. The hummingbird pictures are great, but they don’t show much to use for identification. It appears this one has a white-tipped tail, and there are only a few that have them: Magnificent, Rufous, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Blue-throated, Ruby-throated. Also, it appears this might either be a female or a juvenile – no special colorful markings. And a grayish top-of-the-head. Therefore, my guess its a female Black-chinned Hummingbird. If I had a look at its throat, I would have a better guess.

As to the plant, I’ve looked in the wildflower books I have, and couldn’t identify it. Was this plant growing in the wild, or someone’s garden?

Greg and Linda Johnson

Trailboss sez: Wow! Very impressive data being offered. I dunno. Here's another shot. I'll go ahead and open the wine.