A local birder visited today and discovered two selasphorus hummingbirds visiting the feeders. I hadn't seen any for a couple of weeks so I think these are early migrants headed toward Alaska. According to hummingbird expert, Sheri Williamson:
The pale feathers are just juvenile gorget feathers that haven't been replaced yet. Gorget replacement starts at the bottom and works its way to the chin (more or less), so this is a normal stage young males go through as they finish acquiring their first adult plumage. The reason it takes many birders by surprise is that the process is usually complete by the time they arrive in the U.S.
The experts, including Kelly Bryan, aren't positive if this is a Rufous or Allen's. Sheri leans toward Allen's, Kelly toward Rufous.
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