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 where 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 where 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.
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A lovely post. Oh to have such birds in the UK. I love the hummingbird silhouette photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's a melancholy moment for many of us who host them only during the warm months. They're amazing creatures, for sure. Of course, their migration is part of nature and allows them to survive...and I guess the fact that they're only with us for half the year helps us appreciate them more. But it's certainly difficult to say "goodbye."
DeleteYou got some lovely shots, wow! Your patience paid off, and your flowers are really looking great. I have the most difficulty with getting photos of butterflies. They float around, never landing long enough!
ReplyDeleteThanks. My time and patience were somewhat lacking recently. But I miss them so when they're gone. The garden is still pretty happy--the temps and the sun and rain are cooperating for the most part lately. Interesting...your thoughts about butterflies. I think I find them somewhat easier to photograph than hummingbirds--not in flight, mind you, but when they rest on a bloom or a branch. Hummingbirds don't seem to do that as often, so I feel like I have to anticipate where they'll be, which requires that time and patience you mentioned. ;-)
DeleteI have been wanting to get some hanging baskets of Fuchsia for that same reason. I saw a total of one hummingbird this season, and my Lobelia cardinalis having faded away did not help. I do not have much in the way of nectar for them so I should refill the feeder this morning in case any are looking for some fuel. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe Fuchsias really do seem to attract the hummingbirds, and I love the fact that they grow well in shade. We had several hummingbirds that hung around the garden this season. Re: the little guy in the first photo: I'm pretty sure he's the same little buddy who's used that branch as a lookout for the past several years. I hope he'll return again next year, but I wonder how much time he has left. ❤️
DeleteGolly, your last photo is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of hummingbirds visiting too.
We also have several monarchs dancing around, it has been a fairly good butterfly year here.
Thanks, Carla. I wish I'd had more time to get more close-ups, but it was nice to get a couple of action shots. They sure are special, bewitching creatures, aren't they? Same with the butterflies. :)
DeleteGreat photos! Hummingbirds are so fun to watch. I need to get some more plants that they like. I've seen them drinking from tall larkspur (delphnium exaltatum) in the spring, but need more for later in the season. I had no idea they like Mexican Sunflowers.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) Delphiniums are great, too. I grew some years ago and loved them. I'm planning to add a couple of Lobelia cardinalis plants for next year. I didn't have much luck with them in the past, but I'll try again. I have some ideas for some new planting spots...
DeleteYour patience was rewarded! Hummingbirds are so dynamic and energetic. I'm grateful that they migrate as far north as they do so that we can enjoy them too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree we're fortunate to host hummingbirds--even if it's only for a portion of the year. I miss them so much from October through April...
DeleteWhat beautiful photos ! The in-flight photos of the hummingbirds are perfectly executed. bravo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fred. They certainly are special inhabitants of the garden during the growing season. I envy those who host them year-round. ❤️
DeleteWonderful photos, Beth! It's so hard to catch the little stinkers on the flowers they like, but that last photo is gold! Well done! Tina
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have these lovely hummingbirds in the garden! The pictures of them on the Mexican Sunflowers are amazing!
ReplyDelete