Back in Vancouver, we had hummingbirds around our house year-round. My wife hung a feeder outside our kitchen window, and every morning, they greeted us – hot weather or cold, rain or shine. On frosty winter mornings, they would startle me out of my groggy state by hovering in front of the window and chirping at me. That was their signal to tell me the feeder was frozen. They'd wait impatiently while I brought the feeder inside and replenished it with fresh solution. Eventually, I learned to bring the feeder inside at night and then take it back out in the morning.
I, too, love hummingbirds. Their flight astounds me, the way they can hover in place with their wings flapping so fast. I am also partial to goldfinches, which bring me such joy when I see one fly by as I sit on my porch. Such sweet gifts from God.
Not hummingbirds, but we have little honeyeaters, which I think share some hummingbird behaviours. I'm partial to wrens, myself. I LOVE their joyous chatter. It makes me smile out loud!
I also love watching hummingbirds. I think your literary/ historical names for yours are perfect. I once had a hummingbird mad dog me when I took a feeder down to refill it. He hovered a few inches from my face as if to say, “Hands off! That’s mine!” Ours have just recently arrived (we have broad tailed hummingbirds here). In the fall we will also get rufous hummingbirds as they migrate south. They are even more aggressive and yet so fun to watch.
Back in Vancouver, we had hummingbirds around our house year-round. My wife hung a feeder outside our kitchen window, and every morning, they greeted us – hot weather or cold, rain or shine. On frosty winter mornings, they would startle me out of my groggy state by hovering in front of the window and chirping at me. That was their signal to tell me the feeder was frozen. They'd wait impatiently while I brought the feeder inside and replenished it with fresh solution. Eventually, I learned to bring the feeder inside at night and then take it back out in the morning.
That’s awesome—and hilarious. Frozen feeders—who knew? I forgot about their chirp. They really are noisy!
And demanding! But I never begrudged them that or got annoyed during those chilly months.
I, too, love hummingbirds. Their flight astounds me, the way they can hover in place with their wings flapping so fast. I am also partial to goldfinches, which bring me such joy when I see one fly by as I sit on my porch. Such sweet gifts from God.
We have so many lovely birds here. They really are a gift!
That nest is the cutest thing ever. Someone showed me a picture once of teensy weensy hummingbird eggs. So amazing!!
Fascinating!
I love hearing about these tiny guests / garden mates!
Do you see hummingbirds in Australia, Kate? I think I read they’re only in the Americas.
Not hummingbirds, but we have little honeyeaters, which I think share some hummingbird behaviours. I'm partial to wrens, myself. I LOVE their joyous chatter. It makes me smile out loud!
We have some wrens! They’re darling.
"Bullets of the sky" is an apt description! Love it!
Thanks! I liked the sound of that one, too ☺️
I also love watching hummingbirds. I think your literary/ historical names for yours are perfect. I once had a hummingbird mad dog me when I took a feeder down to refill it. He hovered a few inches from my face as if to say, “Hands off! That’s mine!” Ours have just recently arrived (we have broad tailed hummingbirds here). In the fall we will also get rufous hummingbirds as they migrate south. They are even more aggressive and yet so fun to watch.
I love hearing the hummingbird stories. And all the different kinds! We just see the ruby-throated ones here.
I enjoyed your musings on hummingbirds.
Csongratulations to the graduate!
We're going up to watch the play.on Friday.
Oh lovely! I’m glad you get to go!