Carol DM
When early Spanish explorers first encountered hummingbirds in the New World, they called them flying jewels. But the hummingbird is more than just beautiful. Its physical capabilities put the toughest human being to shame.
Unlike other birds, a hummingbird can rotate its wings in a circle. It can also hover in one spot; fly up, down, sideways, and even upside down (for short distances); and it is the only bird that can fly backward.
The ruby-throated hummingbird, the only hummingbird species east of Mississippi migrates at least 2,000 miles from its breeding grounds to its wintering grounds. On the way, it crosses the Gulf of Mexico, that’s 500 miles without rest. Not bad for a bird that weighs just an eighth of an ounce and is barely three inches long.
This is usually the only species of hummingbird I see at my deck feeder. I always look forward to seeing these tiny birds. I change the nectar in the feeder daily, especially with the hot temperatures. These birds are very entertaining to watch. How many birds do you see in my photo? If you guessed two, you are correct.
Photo ©CarolDM2018
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Do you have hummingbirds in your world?
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Yes
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No
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So envious of your visiting hummingbirds. I’ve yet to see one in real life!
That is really too bad for you Norman, everyone should be able to see these little jewels. They always make me smile.
We also have hummingbirds here in the Outaouais valley although I have never encountered or glimpsed the ruby-throated hummingbird. They are so graceful yet so fast. Very pretty little bird indeed.
Yes they are stunning to see up close. The throat of the male glitters in the sunlight.
a wonderful post about very special creatures. I have photographed them many times too. thank you for sharing Carol.
Thank you so much, I love these birds.
I love slow motion video of them flying, you don’t realize how fast their wings move until they are slowed down…
Yes that is cool to watch, they are amazing for sure.
Awe so cute Carol. I didn’t know you had only one kind. The ruby red throats are so similar to our Anna’s hummers. They live here all year. For our ones that stop in on there way to Mexico we have Allens, Black chined, Costa’s, and Rufous. I have often wanted to view images through a hummers eyes, if only for a moment. I wonder what it would be like to see in all those colors we cannot see.
I would love to see through their eyes. Their migration is absolutely amazing. I read that they do see some colors. Especially red!
Hummingbirds are amazing animals.
Yes indeed they are, thank you.
You are very welcome Carol DM.
Humming birds come to my house too!!
to collect nectar from my mom’s flowers
That is great, you should sit still and try to get a photo.
With my iphone camera? I guess you might just see a bunch of blurry colours… lol
You are right, that would not work.
and now I am wondering if hummingbirds can see into the UV spectrum…
I know that one! Yes, Alex, hummingbirds can see into the near UV spectrum whereas insects such as butterflies see in a different range of UV. Somehow hummingbirds know that insects cannot see red, so these birds might fly past the blue flowers which the butterflies see easily, and stop at the red flowers which butterflies cannot see. Amazing, huh?
I suspected as much due to their feather coloration. I didn’t know that insects couldn’t see red, but it makes sense…
Yes especially the hummingbird. I have to be careful when wearing a red short when I am out changing the feeder. I have been dive-bombed by these little birds before. Caught me off guard.
I hear bulls are colorblind and it is the motion of the flag that they’re attracted to. The saying should be “like a red flag to a hummingbird”
nah, just doesn’t have the same ring…
Carol, after seeing a nest with tiny hummingbirds in a lemon tree at my best friend’s mom’s place, this week I saw a very young hummingbird on the orange flowers of an aloe plant in my own back yard. Wow! Hummingbird heaven.
Wow you are very lucky to see both of those. It is rare that I ever see a nest.
Wonderful photograph, great post about it too! Thank you for sharing
I love these hummingbirds, thank you!
I hope to share more hummer moments again.
Wow Carol your education is always enlightening but this piece is amazing. It makes me want to fly…
Thanks Bradley, I love learning about nature and the visitors in my gardens. I too would like to be a bird for one day!
Often in the afternoon I sit in my backyard and watch the birds that fly. There are swallows, pigeons, sparrows, crows. Late at night I see bats. I want to watch it.
Good to know you enjoy the birds as well. That reminds me. I have not seen bats since my childhood.
My mother would love to have your feeder. It is a nice one!
These are easy and inexpensive to find. I cannot remember where I got this one. It was online.
They seem to like the little perches for their tiny feet.