Saturday, July 19, 2014

Hummingbird Saturday

Female Anna's Hummingbird
"It's hot - I'll ruffle my feathers a bit to vent." 

"Ohhh...an itch!"

"Must scratch NOW!"

"Ahhhh much better!"

Female Rufous Hummingbird
"Pay me no mind..."

"I just need a drink."

"This pollinating is thirsty work!"

Two female Anna's Hummingbirds
"You Girl! Yea, you"

"This is MY roost, not yours!"

One female Rufous Hummingbird

Another female Rufous Hummingbird

Sitting together in perfect harmony! 

They could show those bickering Anna's a thing or two!

Thursday evening as I was filling the peanut feeder, I chanced on four hummingbirds, and perhaps at one of the sugar-water feeders.  Two sat at the feeder, two more waited atop my small Acer, and maybe there was even a fifth bird.  The hummers burn calories like crazy. They tend to 'fill up' once last just as dusk gives up to night, They go into torpor for the night lowering their body temperature from 104f and thus their metabolic rate. It takes about 20 minutes to awaken from torpor, then they are back at the feeders as once again they need an instant energy boost to get their day started.      

One year ago today Mom and I toured Lambeth Palace and the Garden Museum.

6 comments:

Barb said...

I love your stitching that you share with us but I really love the hummingbird photos and the information you share. You are so lucky to have so many hummers - my mom has a feeder and occasionally we see one - they are so amazing aren't they?

Thanks so much for the information about them - very interesting.

Carol said...

I don't know which posts I enjoy more--your stitching ones, your bunny ones, or your hummingbirds!! They are such great photos, Beth :)

Vickie said...

Great pictures! And dialogue. :)

Barb said...

Such wonderful pictures of those adorable little birds!!

Margaret said...

Fantastic! I love seeing the cute pics (lol about the itching pics!) and to learn more about these sweet little birds too!

Pam in IL said...

Your hummers look like they pose for you! Awesome pics and post.