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Nan Buckardt, Director of Education, nbuckardt@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3330
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     A rare hummingbird, reportedly seen only once before in Illinois, was spotted at the backyard bird feeder of Jeanna Cristino, communications specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. 
     Word got out among the birding community that a Mexican violetear (Colibri thalassinus) was hanging out in the yard of Cristino, graphic designer and editor of Horizons magazine for the Forest Preserves. She wanted others to have the opportunity to see the emerald green hummingbird, previously known as a green violetear. The species is most often found in forested areas from Mexico to Nicaragua.
     More than 100 birders made their way to the Lake County backyard with viewing scopes and cameras with long lenses to catch a glimpse of the coveted vagrant hummingbird.
     "My heart melted when I saw it,” said Nicole Fuller, a Chicago middle school science teacher. “It made my year. I haven’t seen a bird that blows my mind like this one just did.”
     “This species is not seen in this area,” said Keith McMullen, who drove five hours with three avid birding friends for a chance to view the magnificent bird. “This is a really big deal,” said McMullen, who has been watching birds since he was in middle school.
     “This is a celebrity of birds. You are just so lucky to ever see it,” Fuller said. “When the sunlight hits it, it glows with its blue, turquoise and deep violet colors.” 
     It was Jeanna’s husband, Jason Cristino, who first saw the bird. Averaging between 3.8 to 4.7 inches long, the Mexican violetear is much larger than the common Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)species found in this area. 
     Jason spotted the bird on his red feeder filled with homemade nectar on Friday, August 20.  Referring to himself as a “casual bird observer,” Jason knew that there was something special about the hummingbird and did some research to identify it.
     A longtime family friend, who is knowledgeable about birds, confirmed that it was indeed unusual to see this bird in Illinois and notified his birding network. It flew from nearby oak trees to Cristino’s feeder throughout the day Saturday and was seen less Sunday. The hummingbird has not been spotted since Sunday evening.
     “We wanted to share the experience with those who would appreciate it,” Jason said. A steady stream of observers lined the backyard fence waiting for the bird to fly into view. Many noted it was a “life bird,” meaning they had not seen one in their lifetime. Visitors ranged in age from 12 to 90.  
     “Everyone who has been here is so passionate, caring and kind. The outpouring of gratitude has been extremely eye-opening and refreshing. We have met so many people who share our same love of nature. What a wonderful thing to happen to us,” Jason said.
     The only other time this bird was formally tracked in the state was 12 years ago when it was seen in Fayetteville in Central Illinois, said Geoff Williamson, secretary of Illinois Ornithological Records Committee. The electrical engineering professor drove from Chicago to see the bird Sunday.
     Avid birder Nan Buckardt, director of education for the Lake County Forest Preserves, stopped by Saturday to see the hummingbird. She said the species has been occasionally found in neighboring states. “Many ask how this type of bird would end up here,” she said. “Birds are sometimes displaced following storms with a great deal of wind.” She said this bird is more of a “wanderer,” as it has been spotted in the Midwest before. 
     The Cristinos found their human backyard visitors experienced an array of emotions over the weekend. Matthew Cvetas and his son, Jake, 21, left the backyard smiling before heading home to Evanston. “Bird watching is something we have always done together,” Matthew said, adding that his son is a founding member of Illinois Young Birders. 
     “It’s just so rare to spot this bird in a suburban neighborhood,” said Matt Misewicz, a wildlife biology major at Michigan State University. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 
     It was an important afternoon for Ben Sanders, 21, who spotted his 700th bird in a Lower 48 States Big Year, a personal challenge and informal competition among birders who attempt to identify as many species of birds as possible within a specific geographic area. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Sanders who had an eastern whip-poor-will tattooed in black on his forearm. 
     “Bird watching is one of the most intimate ways to be in nature,” Fuller said. Buckardt agreed, adding, “You just never know what you will see when you spend time out in nature.” 
      In an effort to promote the mission of the Lake County Forest Preserves, the Cristinos set up a donation box for the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We thought this would be the perfect way to remember the importance of the natural world and support the Foundation.” To donate: LCFPD.org/donate.
 
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Photos courtesy of Matt Misewicz

This Mexican violetear, a rare hummingbird usually seen in Mexico, was spotted at a bird feeder in Mundelein. 



 

Excellence is in our Nature
As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas since 1958, we set the standard in nature and historic preservation, and in outdoor recreation and education. Acknowledged as a regional and national leader, we protect nearly 31,000 acres of natural land and are the second-largest Forest Preserve District in Illinois.
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