We didn't have hummingbirds, where I grew up, mostly in Denmark.
In fact, it wasn't till we lived in Jamaica (when I was six) that I first got to see one of these tiny birds.
We've finally had a few warm and sunny days here in Western Washington, and suddenly there is activity at the hummingbird feeder!
Hello!
It still surprises me that they live this far north... I've always associated hummingbirds with the tropics, but we seem to get quite a few of them here.
I know we get several species, but I am not entirely sure whether I am looking at male/female variations, or completely different birds.
Having a good deep drink...
They are kind of hard to photograph, because they tend to be skittish and super fast. Most of the time, I end up with a lot of shots of "where the humming bird just WAS, a fraction of a second ago."
This one is definitely a different species; pretty sure it's a Rufous, male. Only got one shot of him... sadly not in perfect focus.
Rufous Hummingbird
I'd guess this little guy is maybe 2" (5cm) from the point of his beak to the tip of his tail.
Very aggressive, though... was dive bombing and chasing away some of the others using the feeder.
Another one having a drink
This last one was a deeper metallic green... quite a beautiful little "jewel."
We have yet another type that I didn't get a clear shot of... green with a bright ruby pink neck band. Maybe next time!
I spent a good half hour watching them feed, near sunset... and found myself feeling quite grateful to have this extra time on my hands. Not that I don't spot hummingbirds in my daily life, but I seldom have time to just sit and truly look at them.
It was a poignant reminder that life truly is different, these days... and that there are lots of things we probably overlook — all around us — because we are just "too busy" to pay attention to them.
Thanks for reading, and for taking a moment with our tiny feathered friends!
What are YOU noticing these days... that you perhaps don't otherwise give a second glance? Comments, feedback and other interaction is invited and welcomed! Because — after all — SOCIAL content is about interacting, right? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!
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Created at 20200408 22:59 PDT
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