Rare Hummingbird Draws Crowds To Mundelein Backyadrd

MUNDELEIN, IL — A rare hummingbird, reportedly seen only once before in Illinois, was spotted at the backyard bird feeder of a Lake County Forest Preserves employee in recent months.

The Mexican violetear, known as a Colibri thalassinus, was first spotted by the husband of Jeanna Cristino, a graphic designer and editor of Horizons magazine for the forest preserves, in August. Jason Cristino noticed the bird on a red feeder filled with homemade nectar on Friday, Aug. 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. The hummingbird, which averages between 3.8 to 4.7 inches long and is much larger than the common Ruby-throated hummingbird species in the area, flew from nearby oak trees to Cristino’s feeder throughout the day Saturday.

That weekend, the Cristinos decided to open up their backyard to allow others a rare glimpse at the bird. More than 100 birders ended up making 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 is a celebrity of birds. You are just so lucky to ever see it,” Fuller added. “When the sunlight hits it, it glows with its blue, turquoise and deep violet colors.”

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.

“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.

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 bird was seen less on Sunday, Aug. 22, two days after it was first spotted on Aug. 20. The hummingbird has not been spotted since that weekend

The experience, though, was "extremely eye-opening" for the Cristinos.

“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 Cristino said following the August weekend.