Friday, June 27, 2008

Bzzzzzz Bzzz Bzzzzzzzzz Chirp

Just stepping out the front door can be dangerous. You might get your eye poked out by a flying, buzzing, kamikazee dart.



For such little things, Hummingbirds can be quite obnoxious.



They apparently are not taught to share as children.



Control of the sugar water tap takes more time and energy than sipping peacefully.



There are two feeders and six hummingbirds jockeying for control and landing rights today.



This one seems to be the preferred spigot. For a split second, peace reigns.



Bzzz. Bzzzzzz. Bzzzzz. They're off. Don't try and duck you could get whiplash.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Christopher, These pictures are amazing! It is so difficult to catch one hummer at a feeder, much less multiples in flight! I usually have to catch a picture through the window. How did you do this?

Your progress on the cabin and gardens has been such a joy to see. Thanks!

Christopher C. NC said...

The hummingbirds here are pretty much used to us and go about their business regardless. The feeders are on the decks and have been every summer for decades. Many are likely the same birds returning year after year. We often sit out on the deck in the evening and as long as we sit, the birds ignore us.

The feeder I took the pictures of is about six feet from the front door. I just stood still by the front door, zoomed in on the feeder and clicked away as they were dive bombing each other. It took less than five minutes to get those pictures.

The progress on the cabin and new gardens is slow but steady.

Frances, said...

Hi Christopher, a flying dart is the perfect description. I have never put up a feeder for them, but have planted favorites along the wall and everywhere else for that matter to attract them. They are not good at sharing and do spend more time chasing each other than eating it seems. Your photos make me want to get a feeder though, just for the picture taking possibilities. Did you use a special setting on your camera?

Christopher C. NC said...

Frances, I always use the P/M mode which is like Auto except you can set the light exposure setting yourself. Then I just zoomed in from only six feet away. They're little birds.

chuck b. said...

I had a feeder once but never saw them use it. They seem to prefer the flowers and bugs in my garden. The other day one perched on the wire of a tomato cage and did this weird thing with his tongue, like licking his own beak or something.

Anonymous said...

I'm jealous. Haven't gotten any hummingbirds at my feeder yet.

Anonymous said...

Hi Christopher, cute story of the little hummers. I have one--usually 2 but have not seen the other. Yes, I can tell the difference between the 2. I love to sit in my swing & watch them. Or for now the one.

lisa said...

Great shots! Amazing how territorial they are, you'd think they wouldn't want to expend so much energy fighting.