SOUTHEAST ARIZONA’S RARE HUMMERS OF SUMMER
By Jennie MacFarland Rivoli's Hummingbird, Rhett Herring Summer brings many changes to Southeast Arizona. Temperatures soar, humidity rises, and the human population dips to a low point for the year. This increased humidity and iconic monsoon causes our Sky Island region to bloom with a “second spring” and creates a hummingbird paradise as they take advantage of increased nectar sources and insects. Hummingbirds can be found here all year, but there are some species that can only be found during the summer and in very specific places. The payoff for braving the high temperatures, here are some of our specialty hummers of summer and where you can find them. Female and male Lucifer Hummingbirds, Greg Lavaty and Francis Morgan LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD With a brilliant purple throat, curved bill and long, forked tail it’s no wonder this small hummingbird’s name means “light bearer” in reference to its dazzling beauty. The female is also quite lovely with a thin white eyebrow, and a p...
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