REDISCOVERING MYSELF THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Friday, April 25, 2014

Hummingbirds Definitely Mean Spring

The hummingbirds returned to my feeders last week.  They haven't come in great numbers, but as the weather warms and the young ones mature, I expect mornings and evenings to be busy at the feeders.  The Black Chinned male was the first I saw, and I haven't seen him since.  Then there was a Rufous male and female.  It's strange to see a female hummer this early; generally, I think they are tending the nest.  Finally, I was able to capture a Rufous male from my kitchen window (dirty after winter snow and rain).

From Google on Earth Day:  The Rufous Hummingbird is a small hummingbird, about 8 cm long with a long, straight, and very slender bill. These birds are known for their incredible flight skills.  Some are known to fly 2000 miles during their migratory transits.  The Rufous humminbird's migratory pattern goes through the Rocky Mountains down into Mexico.   Males sport a white breast and an orange-red throat patch; females tout green and white coloring with orange feathers and a dark tail. They are the only hummingbirds with the rufous/rust-red coloring, and the iridescent throat of the males is amazingly vibrant.  





This is a female Rufous on a chilly day, an image I posted on Facebook.



8 comments:

Carole M. said...

what a thrill Evelyn, to see this little beauty back at your feeders...

Melissa Hopper said...

Awe I love those little birds. I have not been lucky enough to see any around here this year yet. Hopefully soon.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

gorgeous birds

Lisa Gordon said...

She is adorable, Evelyn!
I've not seen them here yet. It's still too cold!!! :-)

Gail Dixon said...

Great shot of the rufous!! I've seen them at Bluebonnet Swamp, but never got a decent photo. These are great!

Anonymous said...

They're precious little birds. Haven't seen any here yet.

Latane Barton said...

I love the hummingbird pictures.

Ida said...

Sweet little hummers. Have yet to see any here. I still want to get a hummingbird feeder and see if it attracts them.