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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Ruby-throated Tenacity—Part II

In the past two days, even though I’ve had other pressing projects, I seem compelled to observe the male hummingbird in my yard as much as time allows. I sometimes think patience borders on stubbornness when it comes to trying to capture a photo of these little fire balls. I’ve certainly witnessed far more than I can show photographically.

A breeding male is hyper-alert and aggressive. And truthfully, though I posted Bob Sargent’s description of how the males deteriorate in appearance during breeding season (July 24 post), I had not expected to witness this happening so rapidly nor feel distressed by it.

Despite the poor image you can see breast injuries and the disarray of feathers.

I keep thinking that this male will begin his own migration soon, but just two days ago a courted female joined him at his perch.

I first saw her at the feeder before she settled on a branch near where he normally posts himself. I expected him to zoom in like a missile, but instead, he flew in and quietly perched above her.


Female watching for his arrival.
Male upper left, female lower right.
It wasn’t long before an intruder appeared and the peace of the moment was over. The male returned again to preen but the female did not return. This observation probably spanned a period of three minutes and I feel privileged to have witnessed this deeper glimpse into a hummingbird’s life.

2 comments:

  1. I had no idea the rutting of these young bucks played such havoc on their appearance! While I have, from time to time, witnessed one keeping another deep in the grass by hovering back and forth just inches above it…I thought their unkempt feathers were a result of molting; shows what I know.

    By the by… I fell in love with this:

    http://bp1.blogger.com/_r7lcasYalvo/R9nk1haYZyI/AAAAAAAAAS0/SH0YHckySZc/s1600-h/yflow400.jpg

    Stunning!

    Thank you for sharing…

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  2. Hi Beverly,
    Thanks for the note on my art. I look forward to doing more painting soon.

    I actually did not know about the male's deterioration in appearance until I read Robert Sargeant's book and witnessed this season's territorial male. It is even more dramatic now as the sleek juveniles are coming through.

    Thanks for your visit.

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