Rufous Hummingbird

Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day captures a fleeting moment of magic in Boulder—a stunning Rufous Hummingbird perched with its vibrant orange-red feathers gleaming in the spring sunlight. Set against the backdrop of the Flatirons and spring blossoms, this hummingbird is more than just a visual wonder—it’s a sign that spring migration is in full swing.

The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most striking and feisty visitors to Boulder’s backyards and open spaces. Known for its brilliant coppery plumage and aggressive territorial behavior, the Rufous is a tiny bird with a big personality. These hummingbirds travel up to 4,000 miles during their migration from Mexico to as far north as Alaska, making them one of the longest-migrating birds relative to size in the world.

Boulder offers an ideal resting and feeding stop for these aerial acrobats. You can often find them zipping around local gardens, open meadows, and even along Boulder Creek and foothill trails. Their favorite fuel? Nectar—both from flowers and well-maintained feeders.

If you want to help support these incredible birds during their stay in Boulder, here are a few simple tips:

• Use a 4:1 water to sugar ratio (no red dye!) to fill your feeders.

• Clean feeders thoroughly every 2–3 days to prevent mold or fermentation.

• Plant native flowers like columbine, penstemon, and bee balm, which are all hummingbird favorites.

• Place feeders in shady spots to slow sugar fermentation and help birds cool off on warm days.

Fun fact: The male Rufous Hummingbird performs a showy courtship display by diving nearly 100 feet in the air and swooping down with a loud chirp. It’s quite the aerial ballet—something you just might catch if you’re hiking in Chautauqua Park or relaxing near Boulder Reservoir this time of year.

With its fiery colors and fearless attitude, the Rufous Hummingbird is a true springtime ambassador of Boulder’s wild beauty. Keep your eyes (and feeders) ready—you never know when this winged flame will visit your backyard next.

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