Flying Jewels
Fact
The only bird that can hover in mid-air
and the only bird that can fly backwards.
Hummingbirds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5-13 cm (3-5in) range. Indeed, the smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5-cm Bee Hummingbird. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-90 times per second (depending on the species), and are also the only group of birds able to fly backwards. Their English name derives from the characteristic hum made by their rapid wing beats. They can fly at speeds exceeding 15 m/s (54 km/h, 34 mi/h).
Source Wikipedia
Wanting to attract hummingbirds to our back yard by providing natural nectar from flowers, well, it’s not so easy with my not so green thumb! However, with a little help from a bright red hummingbird feeder from Lowe’s it is very easy. With a mixture of sugar and water added to the feeder and a little patience you will be rewarded with a most amazing "hover"show. Here are a few snaps I managed to capture.
Buzz, Drink, Hover, Repeat
To make sugar water for hummingbirds, mix one part white granulated sugar to four parts regular tap water. Boil for two minutes and cool. Use your feeder’s instructions for adding the water and keeping clean.
The Hummingbird
by Harry Kemp
The sunlight speaks. And it’s voice is a bird:
It glitters half-guessed half seen half-heard
Above the flower bed. Over the lawn...
A flashing dip and it is gone.
And all it lends to the eye is this--
A sunbeam giving the air a kiss.
Thank you so much for your visit. I would love for you to leave a comment so I will know you stopped by.
Hummingbirds are so fragile and lovely to watch. i could sit there and watch them for a long time. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteWell done on capturing such a lovely selection of photos.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured magic, Emily. Mesmerizing, and Clair de Lune is the perfect accompaniment.
ReplyDeleteGuess what? I have a not-so-green thumb too. ;) Mr G; however, is our garden savior.
I love this post.
xoxo
PS-I've been looking for that string of bulbs everywhere. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?
WOW- what amazing pictures! I feed hummers regularly and seldom get a blog worthy pic of those fast wings. You totally nailed this - well done, love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! What beautiful hummingbird pictures--they're not easy to capture on film, but you've done a great job! I enjoy watching them, too, in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI was just listening to Seals & Crofts' "Hummingbird" this morning while watering the plants!!!!! Wow! You got some really great photos of the hummingbird in flight! They're are really interesting to watch if you're lucky enough to have them around. I see them occasionally since my neighbor has a hummingbird feeder. They are lightning quick!!!
ReplyDelete"Claire de Lune" is one of my favorite tunes. I used to play it on the piano when I was a child. Haven't tried in years. It's one piece I'd love to tackle again.
Emily, you captured some beautiful images. I haven't seen any hummers here this summer. Last year they would buzz right around me. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteLove your feeder, Emily. Did you paint the flowers and greenery on the feeder? Very attractive.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics with such pretty color! Very hard to capture. I gave up getting those shots.
beautiful images !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you
rosa
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ReplyDeleteO, your excellent photos of these little beauties put MY (point and shoot camera) bird pics to shame. You really captured their flight and beauty.
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly been enjoying Hummingbirds this summer - wonderful post! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
ReplyDeleteKathy
oh their little wings make me so tired! Hummingbirds remind me so much of my mom Emily, she loved them and was forever filling her feeders with that sweet red stuff~ you captured them beautifully!
ReplyDeleteJenna
WOW!! You certainly were able to capture that ever-so-elusive hummer!
ReplyDeleteMine return every year. One is greyish, one is largest with a big red chest and actually "rests" on the feeders, think perhaps it is old.....and a really pretty greenish one. They're SO territorial, every time I see them they're chasing one another lol. As if they'll ever run out of nectar. Sheesh!
Wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing! Please have a wonderful fun and SAFE holiday weekend.
Your Veranda, tablescape, and all, just picture perfect! Wine, fab food prepared perfectly, would have loved to have been a little bird, just to peek!
ReplyDeleteArlene C.