We were distracted from our lunch by a very obliging Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which despite shunning our feeder (not this one, the hummingbird nectar feeder), stayed in clear view of the house for a good 20 minutes, perching in the tree and feeding at the flowers below. Both the girls got a good look and then she even hung around while I fetched my camera - almost unheard-of.
They are almost unbelievably tiny. We watched what appeared to be a territorial dispute between her and a bee - she only looked to be about twice its size. For more scale-revealing pictures have a look here.
Have you spotted her yet? She is just left of centre sitting on the bare twig.
No-one wants to see hummingbirds perching however, you want to see them humming - so here you go!
Here is what to look for when you are trying to identify the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The males have metallic green backs, blackchins, metallic red throats and white underparts. The females lack the black chins and red throats.
ReplyDeleteThe Ruby-throated hummingbird must gain critical bodyweight before attempting to cross the Gulf of Mexico. The hummingbirds will nearly double their weight (from about 3.25 grams to 6 grams) before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. A single migration can become a nonstop flight of up to 500 miles over a period of 18 to 22hours.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a total estimated population of over 7 million individuals. This species of hummingbird was hunted during the nineteenth century for its beautiful plumage, but the Ruby-throated Hummingbird now enjoys protection from harvest through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act declares unlawful the taking, killing, or possessing of migratory birds. It is also listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna of 1975.
If you would like much more information about hummingbirds, please click the links below. The sites contain many articles about hummingbirds, video clips about hummingbirds, an informative tips booklet on hummingbirds, and much more.
Click Here To Visit About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds For Mom
Thanks for stopping by Zoe Ann, we have something for everyone here - and none of it is of any possible use to anyone.
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