Well, this is my first time catching one of these cheerful visitors on camera. I know it's not the greatest quality, but how often do I actually have my camera on the ready for an "action shot" like this? Hummingbirds are my absolute favorite. I remember hanging the first feeder and anxiously waiting for one to appear. I know there are different schools of thought on keeping feeders up in the winter. I actually see the birds even when we don't have a feeder. I have planted a lot of hummingbird attractors. The hardy fuchsia had them visiting right up until they were covered with snow. After seeing them so frequently during our snow I decided to put up a fresh feeder.
I think it is a female rufous. Any experts that can tell if I'm correct?
I've been told we have Anna's hummingbirds year-round in the pacific northwest. I had a pair of them visit the feeder during the coldest, snowiest days last month. They are the sweetest little birds.
ReplyDeleteHope your fuchsia made it thru the cold.
~Aerie-el
This is the first year that I put out a nectar feeder for the hummers. It took awhile for them to find it, but once they did I was so excited! I never did get a good photo of them, they were way too skittish, but I snapped several through the window and screen. The best of the lot can be found on my August 24 post on my blog, where I actually snapped one at rest. Maybe next summer they will get more used to me, and allow me to take their photo more close up. Ha!
ReplyDeleteYes, Anna's is what I think they are. We continue to have a pair this winter. I've read that they eat a lot of bugs and sap, but will use a feeder to help fill in as needed. Our feeder is just outside the kitchen window. They seem to get used to our movements inside the house.
ReplyDeleteAerie-el and Petunia, I think you're right. Probably an Anna's. It sounds like Rufous usually don't overwinter here. Must be what I'm usually seeing.
ReplyDeleteMsrobin-I saw your picture. That's a great one sitting and resting on the fence. These guys are fast!
I can't believe I missed this! I'm so glad you got a shot of him- good job!
ReplyDeleteTessa - thanks. They have really been around a lot here this winter. Do you have them there?
ReplyDeleteCatherine,
ReplyDeleteForgot to tell you- I have gotten really good shots of the Anna's Hummingbird (which is what yours is) after purchasing the Hummzinger! Check out the label 'birds' to see the shots- and I don't even have a great camera (certainly not a SLR...sigh!) Get a Hummzinger!
Tessa - I will check your birds out!
ReplyDelete