As I sit here in the kitchen writing this post, I am watching a juvenile, male Ruby-throated Hummingbird defending his feeder. I so love watching the Hummingbirds. Their number has picked up dramatically this past week. I will never understand why manufactures produce nectar feeders with multiple perches. Silly! These tiny, little peanuts-of-a-bird are unquestionably the most-territorial of all the birds on this property. Once a Hummingbird has dubbed a feeder as his or hers – their day is spent eating, attacking would-be sharers, and perching nearby on guard duty. I don’t see how they gain weight with all this activity!
So … the little guy outside my window has claimed the nectar feeder attached, via suction-cup, to the window. I believe this is a juvenile male based on the streaking on the throat. (Females almost-always have pure, white throats … adult males have bright, red throats.)
Probably Juvenile Male
Female
Male
In the video you will see Mister Hummingbird has perched so he can watch for intruders using reflections in the window – his head moving side-to-side. (He may also be the only bird on the property who does not see his own reflection as the enemy.) You will, of course, see his incredible acrobatic skills as he hovers over the feeder to eat – and as he chases off all of the incoming peanuts. Finally, you will see Mister Hummingbird happily swinging on his personal swing – the perfect sentry post.
FYI: The hummingbird is the only bird who actually flies backward. There are other birds who can propel backwards, but none other who can fly that way.
Other News
After six days of dutifully bringing the Garden Bluebird house inside for the night (and re-hanging it at 6:30 a.m.) all three nestlings fledged on Tuesday. I was especially happy about my decision to bring the nest box in when, that first night, I captured this scene on camera – about 50 feet from the Garden House pole.
Mr. Bear has moved on again. My aching, not-ready-for-shotguns shoulder is SO happy. I do have stories to tell though – stand by!
The rural Bluebird nest in the East House is the only remaining active nest for 2018 – hatch watch is on. I say it’s the last nest because, I swear, if any other birds lay eggs in one of my houses this year, I’m going to relocate THEM. The Pitty and I are ready for a long winter’s nap!
Lastly, a flock of Grackles has descended upon the feeders – driving me even nuttier these past few days. They are not only piggy, but they are also bullies. I don’t abide either one well. The stories surrounding their arrival, and my tireless efforts to defeat them, will be funny one day, I’m sure.
I so love the Hummingbirds.
Thank you for sharing the hummingbird video! G says his favorite part of the video is when “all the humming bird was chasing the others away.” I thought they looked like they were dancing. Such fun!
Please tell G that’s my favorite part, too! Love to watch them fly as if they are standing in mid-air doing battle — chest-to-chest.
I use safflower seed that grackles—with their long beaks—can’t open.
Can we trade Grackles? I did take all the accessible seed away — except for Safflower. My Grackles are fighting off the Doves to chow down on it. That said, they don’t eat it ALL – so clearly not a fav. Videos to follow.