Hummingbirds (WWE 7/11/12 Birds)

Hummingbirds are such a delight to watch. They start appearing at my feeders around late June and continue through September, or longer, depending on the weather.

I caught this one taking a break.

I have three feeders up and am constantly changing the nectar. They each feed several times an hour. They must consume one half of their weight each day to survive. I caught these two challenging each other. Very rare to see one perched on the deck.

I got lucky and captured this one in mid flight.

Right now I have counted six different hummers at the feeders. And they have what I call hummer wars. They are very territorial. I have seen one who guards the feeder, not allowing others to feed. To be so small they are very aggressive birds. I have actually seen them chase mockingbird and crows from the yard. So entertaining to watch. This one shows a "guarder" daring the other to land.

They have no sense of smell but have very keen eyesight. This one is debating on how to handle the wasp at the feeder.

Amazing to watch their wings. They can beat between 50 and 200 flaps per second, depending on the direction of flight and air conditions.

If you have never seen hummingbirds, you must put up a feeder and see what happens. Once they start visiting, they will return each year, whether you have a feeder up or not. I have seen them hover where the feeder was last year, if they appear before I get the feeders up.

This hummingbird is really enjoying the nectar.

My cat Brendel also enjoys the show. We sit in the screen room and watch as they go from feeder to feeder. Here is another capture of a hummingbird guarding the nectar as he gives the one above the feeder the "look".

Hummingbird therapy is very inexpensive and gives so much in return.

Challenge: Write in any form you desire about birds.