Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Hummingbirds

I've never had large numbers of hummingbirds visit my feeders, usually just one or two at a time and the most I've ever seen at one time was four.There were three hummingbirds fighting over the feeders today.

I stood very still on the patio, ( in the drizzling rain), waiting for one to light on the post long enough for me to snap a picture. It always amazes me to witness their diverse flying maneuvers.

I took these pictures through the window, which was still wet from the over night rain.

We had a terrible thunder storm that terrified our golden retriever, Lilly, and alarmed us too, we needed the rain though and I'm very thankful to have received it. Now I need to do a little more weeding while the ground is wet.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your hummer photos are wonderful! You got the rain from the same system that rocked us last night. How great rain in August is.

Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Jane O' said...

I'm always amazed that anyone can get a photo of a hummer. I pick up my camera and they're gone.
One time, and one time only, I had a mother and three babies at the feeder. That was a thrill.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Robin I can see why the hummers are drawn to your garden with all those beautiful flowers in the background of your pictures.

I hope all is well and good at your place and the job hunting is successful. Chin up.

Stacy said...

Great pics! I know my hummingbirds are out there - but I haven't had time to sneak out and catch them in action lately.

Joanne said...

What beautiful pictures! I never see shots of hummingbirds perched, they're always hovering, so these are interesting. Very nice.

Gail said...

I haven' seen any hummingbirds this season...they must be hanging down by the monarda! Robin where is the best place to hang a feeder? In shade/ or sun?

Thanks, Gail

Gail said...

I meant to tell you how much I enjoyed your photos and I do!
Gail

Anonymous said...

Great photos Robin. You always get such great shots, they always flitter off so fast before I can even focus my camera. :)

Robin's Nesting Place said...

MMD, thank you. Yes, that was some system that moved through! We were definitely in need of rain, it was getting pretty dry.

Jane Marie, I try to stand or sit very still with my camera in focus on the hummingbird feeder.

Thank you, Lisa. Things are going well, we hope to have something firm on the job situation by next week.

Thanks, Stacy. I always put the feeders close by so I'm sure not to miss them.

Joanne, they will perch on tree limbs, plant stands or the feeders if they have a perching spot. A lot of times they perch to guard their nectar source.

Thank you, Gail. I always put my feeders close to the windows so I can see them. Usually that is in the sun, at least during the morning hours. It gets afternoon shade.

Perennial gardener, I spend a lot of time just quietly waiting for the right timing. They are so fast that most of my pictures are deleted due to missed hummers or because they are blurry.

beckie said...

Robin, your pictures are wonderful! They put my bird shots through the window to shame. Those hummers are a delight-thank you.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I envy you the rain and the number of hummers. We see a hummer or two (or maybe the same one?) daily, but never more than that. But then I don't have a feeder either, being too lazy to keep one cleaned and filled. Your pics are marvelous.

Anonymous said...

Now those are hummingbird pictures! I love to see them sit still. They are so frenetic when they move it is hard to believe they can sit.

m.e. said...

Robin, I enjoyed your "hummer" pics and read your comment that you hope to have some good news on the job front next week. Just wanted you to know that we are praying!

Blessings

Anonymous said...

You've done a great job capturing their beauty. I can never seem to move fast enough with my camera.

CIELO said...

How sweet.... I love all your pics of your feathered friends...Enjoy!

cielo

Anonymous said...

Wow I tried to take a picture on hummingbirds when I was in Brazil, but they was to fast for me, You are an exelent photografer.

Carol Michel said...

I've been seeing hummingbirds more this year since I planted a few containers of red flowers just for them. However, I have neither the camera nor the patience to sit and wait for them.

I'm very impressed by your beautiful pictures of them!

Carol, May Dreams Gardens

Benjamin Vogt said...

I'm moving to your house. I want to see hummingbirds!!

I can't wait to get some butterflies and caterpillars on my fennel, as per an earlier post of yours. Very cool images. No, totally rad, dude.

Q said...

Lovely Hummingbirds!
I also receive many hours of delight from watching them.
Sitting out on the deck with them is my idea of heaven on earth.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

It may be that the hummingbirds in your area know that your feeders provide a reliable and dependable food source.

Also, it doesn't appear that those hummingbirds were going to let some rain stop them from getting something to eat. Their need for nurishment won out over a little rain and having to get wet.

Thanks for sharing the photos!

Anonymous said...

Great Photos and even more fun. What a blessing to have them lined up waiting to drink. You might need to rename it the Sonic drive through.

Mary said...

Robin,

Hummingbirds are the highlight of summer. We fret about their arrival but they never disappoint... few or many - doesn't matter.

Nice photos :o)

Mary

Anonymous said...

What great pictures!

Thanks for sharing.