>Is it not possible that NGS made mention of this bird (Xantus) to make
>us aware that not all hummers in this local are the usual? Look for the
>unusual, esp where weather patterns may play tricks. In otherwords,
>sometimes it is OK to suspect that the hoofbeats may be due to zebra not
>horses.

Ahhhhhh! Nice to have someone point this out. Negates the entire
previous discussion. Perhaps the guide could simply say "vagrant"
instead of vagrant, and everyone would be happy, and birders could
use the book as intended: as a field guide.

bob mauritsen
green lake
seattle