It is apparent when a mom with fledglings arrives. They drink together initially and she sets herself apart by vigorously challenging any other hummer that approaches while the youngsters drink.
The normal vocals, buzzing and diving from the three males who've staked out the feeders quiets for a short while.
It's as though the nectar feeders are momentarily off-limits, each of the males sitting motionless on their perches, accepting the family without interference. Eventually Mom buzzes the youngsters. Chirping, she fans her tail and hovers, as if to say, lets go. They circle for an instant, then off they fly into the higher canopy. Sigh.
One of nature's many smiles.
For more hummer sketches visit my post on hummingbird banding and don't miss another fun surprise at the feeders!
The sketches are wonderful! A beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteSa-Weet!! Wonderful watercolor sketches, Vickie! Great capture of the fledgling Hummer :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are creating such wonderful watercolors of the hummers! We, too, are enjoying watching ours - just 2 females and no males seen here (we may have put the feeders out too late this year), but they are buzzing each other and feeding frequently.
ReplyDeleteLovely watercolors.
ReplyDeletelovely work.
ReplyDeleteWonderful as always Vickie! Miss seeing u on twitter.
ReplyDeleteYour hummingbird watercolors are wonderful! So full of life as are the little treasures.
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