Since my last post was about wintering hummingbirds and the presence of a Rufous hummingbird in east Tennessee, I thought I would take the opportunity to show you some of the juvenile images I took of young hummingbirds as they were migrating through on a grey day in late September.
I say young, only because their behavior was not typical of mature birds. For example, at any one time there might be two to three hummers perched in the holly on various branches, some exhibiting guarding behaviors, others clearly just trying for a turn at the feeder without too much harassment. As I've watched hummingbirds guard feeders throughout the season, I noticed that mature birds seldom tolerate another hummingbird in their chosen perch area once the intruder is detected. These little ones seemed oblivious and tentative. And watching them at close range was delightful.
So this post is a photo essay, paying tribute to hummingbirds and showing some of my favorite images from a morning with a very young appearing group of hummers. Of course, hummingbirds are beautiful anyway and easy to fall in love with. The garden and patio have seemed far too quiet without all that wing-buzzing and chirping going on.
Next post, I'll show you how I remedied all that quiet!
Links and resources:
Learn more about how
bird banding helps us learn about hummingbirds.
Contacts for reporting sightings of hummingbirds during winter months in the east: Bob and Martha Sargent, Rubythroat@aol.com or 205-681-2888
Great shots Vickie~Looking forward to your quiet remedy :)
ReplyDeleteAren't the little ones sweet? They have that innocent baby look. I sent mail this morning saying a friend in town had observed a female Ruby Throat at her feeder this morning. I hope I sent it to the right address!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have seen the hummers here this late but then as I am not at home all day I could have missed a lot. We don't know how long she will stay but its very wet and going to get cold and she needs to be on her way as much as we hate to see her leave.
Such sweet photos, Vickie!
ReplyDeleteThe little hummer has apparently gone on about her way. I have noticed that my hummer feeder in the front syrup level has dropped. Somebody or something is drinking it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be fun to catch them but hoping they are in warmer places today.