Caught in the rain

An adult make Allen’s was found on the ground in Newport Beach on 12/23. Animal Control was called and the officer found him on the ground completely wet and not moving. She quickly picked him up and kept him in her warm hand while she drove to Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center. Once there he was put in the incubator to continue warming. He became more alert and was given sugar water. After a few hours he was buzzing around in his little box.

Hummingbirds are water resistant due to a little gland that secretes oil. When they preen they spread this oil over their feathers which gives them their weather proofing. It is unknown why this guy was on the ground and completely saturated. He probably got in a fight with another male and was knocked to the ground during the rain and by the time he came to his senses he was too wet to fly so became very cold. Lucky guy that he was found. He will be released when there is a break in the rain.