Mark Rasmussen’s photos illustrate how the appearance of a juvenile Costa’s hummingbird can change as it grows.

A few years back, when the weather was still cold and the hummingbirds hadn’t returned from their winter migration yet, a young male Costa’s hummingbird decided to make our backyard his temporary home. We affectionately named him Jack and he seemed to love our Japanese privet tree, which was the perfect height for us to observe him up close. Interestingly, he also seemed to enjoy my company and would often fly around me, striking a pose or two. I had the privilege of witnessing Jack’s growth from a juvenile to an adult in just a month and documented his transformation through photographs. I carefully captured the moment when his gray feathers began to shine with a stunning purple hue.

If you’re on the hunt for some extraordinary and captivating avian creatures, then you should head towards the southwestern states of the U.S., like California, Arizona, and Nevada. While exploring, be sure to keep an eye out for the magnificent Costa’s hummingbird – the solitary member of its family that has adapted to surviving in the North American deserts, such as Sonoran and Mohave. Despite residing in the arid desert, this little birdie is a fan of flower nectar, just like other hummingbirds. However, due to the lack of flowers in barren habitats, the Costa’s hummingbird migrates towards the coast during certain seasons to find blooming plants. Therefore, if you’re interested in catching sight of this spectacular creature, the Costa’s Hummingbird Hotspot could be the perfect starting point!

Tohono Chul Park located in Tucson, Arizona is a perfect destination for those who want to indulge in the beauty of nature. The park offers a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere spread over 49 acres of the Sonoran desert. You can enjoy leisurely walking trails and witness the beauty of more than 140 different species of birds. The most enchanting spot in the park is its hummingbird garden that attracts Anna’s, broad-billed, and Costa’s hummingbirds throughout the year. These tiny creatures find their nourishment by sipping nectar from the park’s diverse range of plants like salvia and desert willow. During migration season, you can also catch a glimpse of rufous, broad-tailed, calliope, and black-chinned hummers.