Here in Northern Vermont it is way too early to even contemplate the ‘real’ spring. We have a seasonal camp near the Canadian border. Every spring season, the hummingbirds ‘tell’ us , with very little patience , that it is about time we hang the feeder. Short of knocking on the window, he hovers about a foot away, as if looking through the window to find one of us and ask, ‘could you hurry it up please “ . I am sure this is exactly what he’s doing. I have had the privilege of standing two feet away from our deck feeder, as up to four sparkling ruby throated hummingbirds take turns for the prime spot . I should say, defending their territory. And me, I just stand there motionless, with a big smile.
Thank you for introducing me to your ‘backyard’ wonders. Your photographs are just gorgeous.
Yay for all the pajama birdwatchers everywhere! Thanks for this, Lor. Sounds very familiar. My wife claims that when our feeders go empty, the hummingbirds start searching the yard for me to remedy the situation! I've had dozens resting on my hands as I hang the feeder. Such tiny nuggets of raw energy!
Your hummingbirds are just amazing! I’m seeing signs of spring here too. Many trees are starting to bud. Snow geese and greater white fronted keys have been passing through. Yesterday there were eight trumpeter swans on the other side of the lake that took off at sunrise going north. It’s so warm here I’ve had my windows open every day to keep it cool enough in my house. Already seeing gnats and mosquitoes . That is not a good sign for summer!
I never realized just how territorial the hummingbirds were of their feeders until last summer’s turf war in my yard with the ruby-throats. Beautiful photos!
Thanks Bryn! It's funny how it doesn't make any difference how many feeders you hang...they still try to guard them from others. Indeed, "turf war" describes it perfectly!
Ruby throated males are the worst! My friend has two feeders, one on each side of her house, and one of those little buggers will still guard them both.
Not only have I not seen any Rufous hummers but our three Anna's seem to have flown the coop! The Gila Woodpeckers are the only birds enjoying the hummer feeders and I wish they'd stop.
Here in Northern Vermont it is way too early to even contemplate the ‘real’ spring. We have a seasonal camp near the Canadian border. Every spring season, the hummingbirds ‘tell’ us , with very little patience , that it is about time we hang the feeder. Short of knocking on the window, he hovers about a foot away, as if looking through the window to find one of us and ask, ‘could you hurry it up please “ . I am sure this is exactly what he’s doing. I have had the privilege of standing two feet away from our deck feeder, as up to four sparkling ruby throated hummingbirds take turns for the prime spot . I should say, defending their territory. And me, I just stand there motionless, with a big smile.
Thank you for introducing me to your ‘backyard’ wonders. Your photographs are just gorgeous.
And yes, I can stand there in my pj’s.
Yay for all the pajama birdwatchers everywhere! Thanks for this, Lor. Sounds very familiar. My wife claims that when our feeders go empty, the hummingbirds start searching the yard for me to remedy the situation! I've had dozens resting on my hands as I hang the feeder. Such tiny nuggets of raw energy!
On your hands! That’s so cool.
Your hummingbirds are just amazing! I’m seeing signs of spring here too. Many trees are starting to bud. Snow geese and greater white fronted keys have been passing through. Yesterday there were eight trumpeter swans on the other side of the lake that took off at sunrise going north. It’s so warm here I’ve had my windows open every day to keep it cool enough in my house. Already seeing gnats and mosquitoes . That is not a good sign for summer!
And now the snows come...
Ok, how cool is that!!
I never realized just how territorial the hummingbirds were of their feeders until last summer’s turf war in my yard with the ruby-throats. Beautiful photos!
Thanks Bryn! It's funny how it doesn't make any difference how many feeders you hang...they still try to guard them from others. Indeed, "turf war" describes it perfectly!
Ruby throated males are the worst! My friend has two feeders, one on each side of her house, and one of those little buggers will still guard them both.
For us it's the little Rufous Hummingbirds, which are very feisty around the feeders--even with much larger hummingbirds.
Oh isn’t that male Rufous a beauty! Come up to Bellingham, my friend…but maybe not quite yet!
Thanks Wendy! He's fueling up for the trip! Should be soon!
Not only have I not seen any Rufous hummers but our three Anna's seem to have flown the coop! The Gila Woodpeckers are the only birds enjoying the hummer feeders and I wish they'd stop.