We've got several hummers visiting the feeders I have hanging out in the garden. They zip back and forth from the trees to the feeders, grab a snack, and occasionally come to rest on the wire fence trellis I have around the herbs. I snapped some photos when they were resting on the wire trellis.
Every now and then one hummer will zip in and chase the other off, making for some pretty close encounters with the little buggers!
Nothing like a hummingbird fly-by to make you squint your eyes together!
Look how TINY it's little toes are! And can you tell it was windy? The wind was mussing it's feathers.
When the light catches it just right, the throat feathers look purple. (You can click on the images to view a larger version of each photo.) Very pretty!
I'll be sure to keep the feeders filled, so the birds have an excuse to stay around. I think they might be nesting in the trees behind the chicken house. Fun!
I'm amazed you managed to photograph them while they were sitting! Love the beautiful purple feathers on the little guy's neck. Hope you discover a nest of baby hummers! Wouldn't that be FUN?!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | May 09, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Great photos, I just love hummingbirds.Last summer we had a nest in the front yard, and it was so incredibly small.
Posted by: Sally | April 27, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Awwww - so cute!
Posted by: Mary | April 27, 2011 at 03:59 AM
I just love hummingbirds. When I lived in the High Desert of California I had a family of hummingbirds living in my yard. They were so precious. When I would come out to water the plants they would sit and watch me. One of Gods amazing creations!
Posted by: Scrappin Shonie | April 26, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Oh my gosh--can't believe he was still enough for you to shoot! I love the way they flit in and out of our yard!
Posted by: JulieHRR | April 25, 2011 at 07:36 PM
I've been lucky enough to hold a ruby-throated hummer on 2 different occasions. One got stuck in our garage and I didn't realize it until the next morning. It had gone into basically "sleep mode" to conserve energy. I was able to remove it gently from a window ledge. The previous night was very cold so I held it in my hands to warm it up. When it started reviving I held its beak to the feeder. It started drinking and its little tounge started flicking out. Once it had revived enough and seemed to gather some strength I released it. Another time I found one on the ground. I was able to hold it to the feeder and get it to drink. It also seemed to gain strength and was able to fly off. Those were such amazing experiences!!
I'm sure you are probably aleady aware but just a reminder--keep your feeder very clean so it doesn't grow bacteria and mold. It's especially important in hot weather to clean often.
Posted by: Crystal N | April 25, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Must have been a bird-inspired day; my blog post was about birds, too!
Posted by: michelle | April 25, 2011 at 06:27 PM
I love those little bitty babies - so sweet. Is your life just pure bliss or what? Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: Suzy | April 25, 2011 at 05:42 PM
wow! we've never been able to get a photo of our hummingbirds!!
Posted by: adelina | April 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Magnifiques photos, j'adore les colibris.
Posted by: MamanKoolaid | April 25, 2011 at 03:09 PM
I think you might have a black chinned hummingbird! Aren't they fun to watch? My sister has MANY ruby throats visit her feeders. They stay all summer. I am lucky to get one or two fly in and out. :( Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | April 25, 2011 at 02:46 PM