Thursday, October 29, 2009

Hummingbird Morning

Costa's and Anna's Hummingbirds 10-29-09

It was 38 degrees here in Sycamore Canyon when I awoke this morning. As soon as the sun rose the birds started to appear. The temperature dropped sharply yesterday driving the birds into my feeders. There was a feeding frenzy last night just before the last few rays faded from the sky. When the morning sun touched the earth once again the hummingbirds were back to refuel. Hummingbirds usually don't like to share the feeder, but when it is this cold and there are so many, they seem to give up and focus their energy on feeding instead of fighting. Most of these are Costa's hummingbirds, but the one hovering to the right with a central throat patch is actually a female Anna's Hummingbird. How great is it to live someplace where you get hummingbirds in autumn and winter?


Immature male Anna's Hummingbird 10-29-09

Don't mess with me!


This immature male Anna's isn't about ready to share his stash with anyone! He sits here on the hand of my ballerina sculpture and chases all the other hummingbirds away! Sometimes when he is busy chasing off one small intruder another slips in and gets a drink!

4 comments:

abb said...

As you know, only ruby-throated here in CT. And not one of them has ever visited my hummer feeder. Darn it!

bobbie said...

Look at all those hummers! Lucky you!

Max said...

I agree that it is great to have year-round hummingbirds. Our Anna's help us through the dark, soggy Oregon winter each year!

Kathie Brown said...

TSannie, I am surprised? My sister's feeders get mobbed. Perhaps we should talk? Maybe I can help you figure this out.

bobbie, yes I am lucky!

Max, so nice to see you again. I did not know that Anna's spent the winters in Oregon! Hearty little creatures they are!