Local Scene:
Hummingbirds
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Their brilliant colors (males mostly) rival the flowers they seek out, often in the flower beds at the entrance to Fossil Rim and at the Overlook restaurant where hummingbird feeders sometimes entice.

The most common species found at the center are ruby-throated (Achilochus colubris )and black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri) hummingbirds, both hard to tell apart as they dart from flower to flower.

The male ruby-throated has a black chin with an iridescent red throat which is noticeable only when the sun hits it just right. The female is green in color with no red or black on the chin. Both have a long deep-notched black tail which extends beyond the tips of tapered wings. When hovering, it holds its tail relatively still and has a short, straight, heavy bill.

Its cousin has an even more distinctive black chin with an iridescent purple throat and looks black headed. Its short, slightly forked tail ends very near the wing tips. It has a long, slightly curved, light bill. The female has no brilliant throat color and is more grayish in color.

Like other numerous species of birds, Fossil Rim provides them a good home, with native plants and plenty of water. The multitude of birds at the center, including two endangered species, the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, often draw birders to the wildlife center. The Audubon Society uses the center for annual bird counts.