While I'm working on illustrations for a book about the
whooping crane, the tallest bird in North America, I take nature breaks to check on the migration progress of our smallest bird.
I can see the
ruby-throated hummingbird migrants from my window as I type and sometimes I step out into the sunshine to sit for a while. The antics of the juveniles give me a chuckle-break, like when they sit on top of the feeder with their backs straight and tall, soldier-like.
Or other times, leaning back taking in everything around them.
And when I look at my images, it never ceases to amaze me that their wings beat faster than the shutter speed.
Visitors to the feeder are thinning out each day as the air is getting colder and the leaves turning to fall hues.
But I don't lack company as I observe. My
five-lined skink neighbors frequently join me, sometimes more than one of them, in pursuit of another. Tiny ones no bigger around than a pencil and longer, slightly bigger ones.
Humm...where does this one think he's going?
That's my door...
Great attempt to freeze the Ruby-throated Hummingbird while hovering. The wing blur tells how rapid the action of the wings are -quite unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteI like the close up of the Skink too.
Thanks. They are amazing little birds with magic wings that beat 40-80 times per second. Seeing them hop up on the feeder like that makes me determined to hang new feeders with perches next spring.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my little skinks, too.
I think it would be too easy to get distracted with those amazing little Hummingbirds just outside. We don't have them here in Australia but I have been lucky enough to see them while in the USA. Great photos and I enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeleteHummingbird in midair is my pick.
ReplyDeleteDid that little skink enter your house?
Hi Mick. Thanks for your comments. I didn't realize Australia doesn't have hummers. They are distracting. They can entertain me for hours. Especially knowing they will be gone from this area very soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tabib. I love the hovering photos too. I can't be sure about the skink, but I don't think so. I've seen them hide under the door in the threshold area before and they come scurrying out when I open the door.
Hi Vickie, thanks for posting a comment on my blog - it allowed me in turn to find yours! I love the stories and photos you post. I'm going to add a link from my site so I can continue to follow your wildlife encounters from a different part of the country!
ReplyDeleteHi Monika, thanks. I've always loved orcas but have never had the opportunity to see them in the wild. I was delighted to find your blog and see your wonderful photos and the work you're doing.
ReplyDeleteLovely... I really enjoyed reading your posts and viewing your photos. Your artwork on your website is beautiful... I will definitely be back to see new posts.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele. I just returned from a fun trip to your blog. Loved reading about your adventures and viewing your photos of orcas and other wildlife.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I love wildlife and creating art just takes me deeper.