May 4, 2016

Wildlife Wednesday

You will often find him sitting in the Crape Myrtle tree. Sometimes he's hard to see, but he's there. It's just that he blends in so well with the leaves.

From his perch he has a clear view of his territory and will reveal his presence suddenly and with gusto if another of his kind dares to enter.

When he's hungry he has several choices in the garden. Wendy's Wish salvia which grows just below his perch is one of his favorites right now, but he likes the other salvias, too, and just wait until the Turk's Cap blooms. He won't be able to resist its sweet nectar, no hummingbird in our garden ever has.

Look here he comes...

A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird flies from his perch in the Crape Myrtle (background) to the feeder.
Yes, you guessed it. We have a hummingbird visitor in our garden.

Hummingbird Nectar: 4 parts water, 1 part pure cane sugar, no red dye.
Mr. Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been hanging out with us for a few weeks, which is unusual in the spring. Normally our spring hummingbird visitors only stay for a day or two and then continue on their journey northward to their nesting grounds. The cool weather we've been having must agree with him this year.

And, he's not the only hummingbird visitor in the garden...

A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder keeps a wary eye on the photographer.
There's a Ms. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, also. She doesn't get to the feeder as often as she would like, because Mr. Ruby won't let her. But when he's away from his perch, she can sometimes sneak in for a nice long drink.

I'd love to be able to follow her to know where she's hanging out. Maybe she has a nest! Hummingbirds don't usually nest around here (Needville, Texas), but it's so unusual for them to linger this long, I suppose anything is possible. Finding a thimble-sized nest, perhaps camouflaged with lichen, lined with plant down, and held together with strands of spiderweb silk would be a thrill, wouldn't it?

Mr. Ruby-throated Hummingbird showing off his bright red gorget.
It's likely Mr. and Ms. Ruby will leave as soon as it becomes consistently hot around here, but until then, I'm going to enjoy their extra long visit.

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Today's post is my contribution to Wildlife Wednesday—a meme, hosted by Tina at My Gardener Says...that celebrates wildlife in the garden on the first Wednesday of every month. This is my first time to participate.

12 comments:

  1. Great photos!! I have such a hard time getting good hummer shots--wish they'd slow down, just a little. :) That shot of him approaching the feeder is especially good! Thanks for joining in and enjoy your wild critters!

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    1. Thanks, Tina. I know what you mean about hummingbird photos. I always wish for a bigger, better lens when I'm trying to snap their picture.

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    1. Tiny and cute, yes, but don't let looks deceive you—they are also tough and feisty. I love watching how they interact with each other.

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  3. Yes, finding the tiny nest would be exciting. I've seen photos of nests and marvel at their size and construction.

    I was blessed one chilly morning to find a hummingbird on the ground before the neighbor's cat. Cupping the tiny creature in my hands until it was warm enough to fly was an experience I will never forget.

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    1. There are three things I always wanted to find—a fossil, an arrowhead, and a hummingbird nest. So far I can only check off fossil.

      Holding a hummingbird is a magical experience. I love that you were able to do that and also to rescue that bird from being eaten by the cat.

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  4. Tracy how wonderful to see and have hummingbirds in your garden, Frances

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    1. These are my favorite birds, Frances. They pass through our area during the spring and fall migrations. In the fall they tend to hang around longer, drinking nectar from flowers and feeders, putting on weight that will sustain them on their long flight across the Gulf of Mexico. They are fascinating birds!

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  5. Hi Tracy, lovely post and great photos, we do not have Hummingbirds over here, occasionally Hummingbird Hawk Moths, but thats not the same! Their nests sound absolutely beautiful, I hope one day you will find one, maybe fingers crossed you already have one near by.

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    1. Thank you so much! It's probably just wishful thinking on my part to think that she might have a nest here, but I can always hope. :)

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  6. Such wonderful photos! I saw my first hummingbird nearly 3 years ago. I was chasing after it with my camera - I can't even begin to tell you how bad the photos were. You have my deepest respect for these photos!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I can drive myself crazy sometimes trying to get a halfway decent shot. :)

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Thank you for reading and taking time to comment. I am encouraged by your kind words!