Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Joy of Hummingbirds


Last September I wrote a post called Saying Goodbye to Our Hummingbirds, which featured some pictures of a feisty little hummer who was the last to leave for the winter. He was so cute and I really got attached to him and missed him when he finally left. You can read about him by clicking on the link above.

In April of this year, I anxiously awaited his return, and on April 20th, wrote this story about the return of our hummers ... Welcome back, Little Hummers.

Yesterday, I put some fresh nectar (1/4th cup sugar to one cup of water) in our feeder and noticed that one little hummer was happily stuffing himself. I ran and got my camera and staked out the feeder which is close to our porch.

I probably sat there for an hour and a half, in 90-degree temperatures, but loved every minute of it. Here are the pictures I captured of our little hummingbird. I'd like to think that he's the same little guy from last September, but I'm not sure yet. If he ever perches on the top of the shepherd's hook that's holding the feeder, I will know for sure, because that's where he spent a lot of time.

I'd also like to share a little lagniappe I received during one of the hummer's feeding breaks. I noticed a little chameleon in the bay magnolia tree next to the feeder, and was delighted to capture this picture of him "stalking" a little bug (if you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see the unsuspecting little bug) ...

The bug saw him coming, though, and jumped off the branch just in the nick of time. I was glad, because I really didn't want to capture a picture of the chameleon having "brunch."

I thoroughly enjoyed the antics of our little hummer, and look forward to watching him (and, hopefully, others) this summer. They are truly awesome little creatures.

6 comments:

SmilingSally said...

These are amazing shots; thank you for sitting in that heat. It sure paid off!

Salmagundi said...

Those really are amazing pictures worthy of a magazine spread!! Sally

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

As usual you out did yourself with your pictures, I couldn't have stood the heat, maybe that's why you are so good...lol..I did a post Weds about a photo book called the Historic Photos of MS that I thought you might like since you love pictures and Mississippi, it is by Annie McKee and all of the photos are from different Archives from different cities, it is a well written book because the pictures tell the story of out great state. Check it out. http://mollyscountrycolorshomeplace.blogspot.com/2009/06/historic-photos-of-mississippi.html

Molly

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Wonderful pictures, Janie! You never cease to amaze me with your photography. Loved seeing this...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Donna said...

I love that shot of the bug that got away. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! I miss your daily posts!! I'm trying to catch up today and just love these photos! I'm glad you didn't witness brunch too!lol I so envy your photo skills!! You just keep getting better with every pic!! I must get Dan to set up the humming feeder we have???? Hope you are well and enjoying your Hot Hot summer! 90 degree heat I would not be doing photo shoots!lol Good for us you did though! Take care dear - Sincerely, Jeannette