The Hummers

Presenting my latest obsession.....



Every once in awhile, I would see a hummingbird pass by one of the windows & when I did it was always a special assurance.

We bought a Hummingbird feeder months ago & hung it in the backyard. The nectar slowly emptied, but we never saw a Hummingbird eating. We figured that the ants were eating it & I never refilled it. I ain't into feeding ants. :)
A few weeks ago, I was on the phone with Jamie & saw a hummingbird flying around the feeder. So, I ran out & filled it up with nectar. Two days later, I was on the phone again with Jamie & the hummingbird came back. I told her she must be the hummingbird whisperer. Ha! Then a one morning I couldn't sleep & was out on the back porch & 3 hummingbirds were buzzing around. I got so excited! And I became obsessed. It took me a long time to finally get into bed that morning, because I couldn't quit watching them. It didn't take long, for a male Hummer to claim the feeder as his own. I did research & found out this is something they tend to do. They become very possessive of a feeder & will fight any other hummer that tries to eat. And also that the hummers we have are Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. Hummington (that's what I named him) will not allow anyone else to eat. He even came after me, for moving his feeder to refill it. So, I placed another feeder on the tree in the front yard, right outside our window. And the females (who I call the Golden Girls) like this one. And we have had the joy of watching "Hummer warz." They all seem to take the feeder business very seriously. I have already bought a third feeder & have plans for a 4th. It has been pure joy to get to take a peek into their little world & I have learned so much about them.



This is a female. She's up in a different tree keeping on eye on her feeder.

She's stretching
This is Hummington, he sits on the fence, beside "his" feeder for hours, guarding it from nectar thieves. The males have the ruby throats.

These 2 are my favorite shots. (enlarge photos for full effect...Especially these 2. You have got to see their detail.)

I think Hummington snuck around to the front to steal some food. He's got the "You caught me" look.



Don't be surprised to see more Hummer photos from time to time.