Ruby-throated hummingbirds are still hanging around these parts, but not for long. A few males still migrate through, but most visitors are now females and juveniles. A couple of days ago, I decided to take a break--to observe them and photograph them before they're gone.
I was having trouble capturing them on their favorite plants. The little guy pictured above had a favorite branch throughout the summer, but he's gone...
And, of course, they're not shy about flying down right next to me to sip from the feeders. But what about their favorite plants--places I've seen them nectaring many times?
For example, for many years I've had Fuchsias in hanging baskets around the house. The hummers frequently flutter around them and sip from the bottoms of the flowers.
And, of course, they're not shy about flying down right next to me to sip from the feeders. But what about their favorite plants--places I've seen them nectaring many times?
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| 1. Fuchsia 'Marinka' |
For example, for many years I've had Fuchsias in hanging baskets around the house. The hummers frequently flutter around them and sip from the bottoms of the flowers.
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| 2. Hosta aequinoctiiantha |
They also seem to enjoy these late-blooming Hostas, which I believe are Hosta of the Equinox (H. aequinoctiiantha)--currently at peak bloom. While I've previously seen hummers loving on them, this time when I sat down to try to capture them with the camera...no luck.
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| 3. Lablab purpureus |
Same with Hyacinth Bean Vine (Lablab purpureus). The hummers were flitting around it on the garden obelisk, but by the time I had my camera ready, they were gone.
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| 4. Zinnia elegans |
Surely during my little visit they would stop and rest while sipping nectar from this beautiful Zinnia? Not this time.
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| 5. Salvia (unknown annual cultivar) |
OK, for some reason they regularly buzz around this measly remains of an unknown, overwintered, potted Salvia. I'd even thought about pulling it until I saw the hummers on it. No luck with photographing them here either.
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| 6. Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' |
Finally, the Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) apparently were irresistible...
Aha, there you are! The garden is always a happy place when hummingbirds live here. I'm trying to savor them until we part again for many months.
It's "Six on Saturday." Check out the meme at Garden Ruminations. If you're so inclined, join in with six of your own recent garden observations!
