Hummingbirds

 I am completely fascinated by hummingbirds.  I could sit and watch them for hours.  I have feeders hanging up at our home in the city and our cabin at the lake.  It had been nearly a month since we’d been to the cabin and although I filled it right before we left, the feeder was completely empty.   Within minutes of refilling it, there were several hummingbirds swarming around looking for that sweet nectar.

 

The most common type where I live is the ruby-throated hummingbird and I think these photos are of females.  They are about 7cm in length and only weigh about 3 grams.  This time of year (late summer) they are busy trying to fatten up for their migration back to Central America.  They nearly double their body mass in order to make the nearly 500 mile journey.

These amazing little creatures beat their wings nearly 75 times per second flying forwards and over 50 times per second flying backwards (the only species of bird able to even fly backwards).  The beauty and wonder of God’s Creation never ceases to amaze me. 

Here’s a little standoff I caught between two hummingbirds.  The were probably near starvation since I hadn’t filled the feeder in a month.

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed this little hummingbird lesson.  I’m going to go check my feeders.

Peace, Kelly