Monday, February 22, 2010

Hummingbirds

DSC_1007_3240 Hummingbirds are in Bakersfield year round.  There are different types migrating at various times of the year.  I’m no expert.  I’m not even a novice about these birds.  I just enjoy watching them.  DSC_1386_2772 They come around just as the sun comes up and feed until the last sliver of sunlight has vanished in the west.DSC_1387_2773 They come from Alaska to South America and places in between.  The type that are around here the  most are called Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna).  Impressed?  Heck, I just picked up a little Bird Watcher’s Digest – Enjoying Hummingbirds at Home Depot.DSC_1384_2770There’s always a brightly colored male that claims the  bird feeders as his own.  I call this tyrant, whomever he is, Napoleon.  This year, Napoleon rules over his kingdom from the top of the pergola, perching on the wisteria.  If any other hummingbird (male, female – it doesn’t matter) approaches, he zooms in after them clicking and screeching then engaging in midair warfare as if he’s a war bird in action. 

Sugar water is left out for them year round to supplement the nectar they gather from any blossoms and the small insects they eat for protein.  (May I direct you to the broccoli?)  I know these little, hyped up birds are grateful for everything I do for them…

 

 

 

DSC_1008_3241  …and it shows.

6 comments:

Lisa Paul said...

Love hummingbirds. They are the terriers of the avian world. We have swarms of them in the vineyards as they loooooove grapes.

Great photography!

Caro said...

That second picture, the hummingbird with the purple neck, beautiful! They're gorgeous creatures. You have some nice pics on here.

MAYBELLINE said...

Muchos gracias.

Lisa Paul said...

I thought I could restrain myself, but I'm twelve. Hee-hee (last photo) Hummingbird Poo.

MAYBELLINE said...

Bathroom humor gets me every time.

Glennis said...

I can't believe you caught him pooping.

We get them here, too. They sometimes buzz our heads on the deck, being territorial. They are pushy little bastards!