For the first time I decided to hang a hummingbird feeder out for the full summer. After watching a hummingbird nest nearby a few summers ago, I wanted to see if they were in the area in higher numbers than I thought. As the summer progresses I would get some birds stopping at the feeder everyday for some wildlife enjoyment. Lately though there have been a fairly constant stream of birds at the feeder. Migration south is underway. They would each take turns though, never more than one at a time. If there was a hummingbird near and another another one flew up, it would be chased away by the first. Maybe that was the local birds defending their food source from those that had migrated.

With all of this activity I decided to spend some time with the camera trying to capture these speedy little birds. At first they were nervous and kept their distance, but soon they returned to grab nectar, as I snapped away. They are certainly entertaining birds, many which are not very shy. I had plants nearby and on several occasions while checking the watering needs of these plants, a hummingbird would buzz by and perch on a small branch watching me. Stopping to enjoy a close encounter and view of a hummingbird, I watched them also, studying their movements and actions. Fear does not seem to be a part of their personalities. Probably because they can outfly almost anything with their speed and aerial maneuvers.  Sadly they are likely close to moving on rendering the feeder quiet once again. I’ll miss looking outside and watching them when they’re gone. For the moment it’s fun to see though.