Search This Blog

...a glimpse into life on Vancouver Island, needle felting, photography, food, gardening, etcetera...etcetera
"Happiness always looks small when you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and at once you learn how big and precious it is."
Maxim Gorky

Saturday, November 17, 2012

They're back!

Every winter now for about 4 years we've had a pair of
Anna's hummingbirds come to the feeder...
This is a labour of love keeping these little things going through
our harshest months. Last year during a cold snap in January, the
female disappeared and I think she froze to death.
I'm glad the male found a new mate...if it's indeed the same male...
When the Rufus hummingbirds come back in the spring, they chase these
guys away. I'm not sure where they go but they must find
an alternate food source because they always come back
after the Rufus' leave...
Another odd thing is that even within it's own kind, the male
Anna's is always chasing the female off. Maybe he wants to see how tough
she is. So today was something to see them BOTH feeding at the same time...
So stay warm little birds and I'll keep your sugar water full and thawed 
as long as you need it... 


8 comments:

Mary said...

Divine creatures. I just love them. Wonderful, sparkling gems. We have a pair who feel all winter at the feeders on our patio. On the coldest days, i alternate these feeders. Thaw them out or refill. I love to do it. I've seen them hover outside our sliding glass doors, and look in like they're saying 'hello' or 'thank you.' So very sweet..

the wild magnolia said...

They are lovely and I like the feeder too.

Good job to help these precious hummingbirds.

farmlady said...

We do this too. When winter comes a few of the hummers stick around, so we keep the feeder filled and fresh during the cold months. It's the right thing to do. I've heard that without the sugar water they will die.
Beautiful photos.

Unknown said...

These photos are so stunning - how did you manage to take them! I've never seen a hummingbird...they look so cute!

Mairéad said...

What beautiful visitors! I didn't know they went so far north. Great shots too & I really like your feeder.

Valerie Brown said...

Fantastic shots, Kerry. My in-laws have Anna's at their feeder as well - it's always amusing to see how aggressive such a small bird can be!

Where did you get that beautiful feeder?

Acornmoon said...

How amazing! I always associated hummingbirds with a tropical climate.

Cobalt Violet said...

Love hummingbirds! Great photos Kerry!