Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Bird Watching

The Bee Balm is beginning to bloom.
The Hummingbirds like it!

The male Hummingbird has finally become comfortable.
He perches on the feeding station.



He chases the bees.



There are two Hummingbird feeders on the feeding station.

One for him and one for her!
I can watch the Hummingbirds all day.

They bring joy into my life!

22 comments:

Jeanne said...

Oh I love little hummingbirds
I will have to watch out for that plant bee balm.
does it go by any other name?
Love Jeanne

Cheryl said...

Hi Sherry....They are such beautiful little birds......you are lucky to have them so close.
How long will they stay Sherry and where do they go next??

Deb said...

The hummingbirds are just delightful. Even though we have 2 feeders up (and have for some time now) we haven't had one visitor yet. You are lucky to have them in your garden :-} and we are lucky to be able to see them captured so sweetly here.

smilnsigh said...

More amazing photos...

Yes, Hummingbirds are so beautiful... What a lovely subject they make.

Mari-Nanci
Photos-City-Mine blog

Jayne said...

Love that little male in flight Sherry! Ours are so scarce this year.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Love seeing these little creatures around the garden. We haven't seen a male in some time. We have wondered if he might have died. Hopefully he just started his southerly migration early. Beautiful photos Sherry.

Rose said...

How lucky you are! I have seen very few hummingbirds the past month. I'm hoping they will return soon. But I did see my first butterfly of the season--they come to visit my coneflowers. Hopefully, he was just the first of many to come.

Q said...

Dear Jeanne,
I am smitten with the Hummers!
Bee Balm is also called Monarda and Bergamot. I have seen purple Bergamot although red seems to the "normal". The hummers like the red Bergamot. Nice for tea too!
Butterflies always enjoy the stand of purple Bee Balm. I am thinking of growing lots more.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
I am a lucky girl! The Hummingbirds every year give me hours and hours of joy! They stay until mid October than they begin flying south, taking breaks as needed, until they reach their winter homes in Central America. The crossing of the Gulf of Mexico is the largest non-stop flight they take. I look forward to them coming every spring and always am sad to say, "good bye."
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Deb,
Keep putting fresh nectar out! Don't give up! Once they find you they will come back.
It is fun to see the Hummers in other's backyards but there is a certain delight in having them in your own garden. Thank you for being so nice! I have two pairs that come and go. I hope they are successful nesting!
Maybe some will find your feeders as they head south. If so they will remember and will see you next spring.
Sending sweet Hummingbird thoughts,
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mari-Nanci,
Thank you. My friend, Sandi, Was telling me a grand story of having Hummingbirds all over her, landing on her arm and her head while she held a bowl of nectar! I would love to feed a Hummer up close like that! I do not know if it would be healthy for the bird to be so tame but I would be charmed!
The Hummingbirds do make exquisite subjects for wonderful photos!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Jayne,
Mary, from Mary's View, said we are in a Hummingbird shortage! I did not know that. Hope their populations increase soon.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
Humm...our males seem to be staying around a bit later than normal. I think they got here late. Soon I expect the males to leave too.
I hope nesting is going on. I have not "found" the nest yet!
Nina is watching a Hummingbird nest and the eggs have hatched!
It is exciting to watch.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Rose,
How exciting to see butterflies! I adore them! Cone flowers are like magnets for the Tiger Swallowtails.
Hope you get a picture too. I would love to see your butterflies.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Those are some great shots. I love their colors and energy.

Mary said...

So tickled with your photos! I could watch them all dayk, too :o)

meggie said...

So much joy & pleasure to be found among you posts! Beautiful Butterflies!
Beautiful birds, as always.

Q said...

Dear Science Guy 288,
The Hummingbirds make my summer so fun! I do miss them when they leave each Autumn.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mary,
We are Hummingbird friends!!!
I am thinking about doing some nectar in a red cup and holding it to see if one of the Hummers would come to me.
We will see!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Meggie,
Thank you! I left my camera out over night and it rained!!!
I am trying to dry it out right now. My telephoto lens also took on some moisture. I may have some equipment troubles....
Hope I do not have to replace. I was so looking forward to getting a micro lens. If I have to replace the telephoto lens it will be another year for the micro!!!
The trials and tribulations of the photographer!
Sherry

Wendy said...

I just love those little "flying jewels". Good photos, they're hard to catch.

Q said...

Dear Wendy,
Me too! I look forward to them coming every year. There appear to be two pairs that are feeding. I keep thinking the males will leave soon and let the females raise the chicks.
I still have not seen a nest.
Nina is watching a Hummingbird nest and the chicks hatched on July 4th. Incredible pictures.
Sherry