The hummingbirds seemed to have arrived early this year. As soon as I was aware of their arrival (the distinctive sound of one of them flying by) I immediately dug out my feeder, made some Sugar water and hung it in the tree. Within a few hours the birds were feeding at the feeder. A couple of weeks later I bought a wrought iron double hook and hung up my other two feeders. Some mornings and evenings I can easily count as many as 15 or more of the little birds working the feeders. Sometimes, they spend more time fighting over the feeders, being territorial, than feeding. I have also planted several
Penstemons, which are favorites of hummingbirds. On occasion I manage to capture a glimpse of one of the birds working one of the penstemons. I have yet to capture a photo. Below, are photos captured as the hummingbirds come to my feeders.
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| Male black-chinned hummingbird hovering, showing off its iridescent chin feathers. |
So far, the hummingbirds feeding at my feeders are Black-chinned hummingbirds (
Archilochus alexandri). The males are notable for their black throats, and when they turn into the light their chin feathers are an iridescent purple. Their backs are iridescent green.
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| Male black-chinned hummingbird feeding. |
The females, as is typical of most birds are quite plain in their appearance. They do not have the black chin of the males, but they do have the iridescent green back.
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| Female black-chinned hummingbird soaring. |
Here is a site for more information on the black-chinned hummingbird:
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds.
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| A female (background) and a male at the feeder. |
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| Male hovering, caught with eyes closed. |
Every now and then they stop and rest.
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| A small male resting in the tree above me. |
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