On the Hunt for Hummers

I can't resist concentrating on the hummingbirds when they come back to town. The Black-chinned seems most plentiful, but we get a look at a Ruby-throated this installment. As always, a few treats as some more summer regulars are showing up, and a surprise shot of some migrating birds. Enjoy.

If I stand close to the feeder at the porch, they'll come sit close by in the tree to stand guard. Good opportunity for a branch close-up.

He can't sit still, so he'll change positions to make sure he has the best view of his precious.

Rarely do I get a good close-up at the feeder, as they are usually too nervous.

Just a hint of that purple throat.

Just had to include this. I didn't see who he was sticking his tongue out at!

He likes to clean his bill on the branch.

Always lookin' for that flash of purple.

The lone sentinel.

This female gets a free ride at the feeder, and then drops in for a rest on the fence line.

There she is! Finally got a shot of Ruby showin' her stuff at the feeder.

This shot illustrates how you can tell them apart when you don't see the color in their throats. The Ruby-throated has a longer body, and the tail feathers split distinctly.

The White-crowned Sparrows are still hanging around my make-shift drip, even getting a sip sometimes.

Usually joined here by Cardinal, House Sparrows, female Red-winged Blackbirds, and an occasional Wren.

Noticed some activity out at the spigot by the drive, where we've piled up rocks so visitors won't run over it! A couple of Carolina Wrens building a nest in the rocks.

At the office deck I heard the tell-tale wheezy call of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. He was out there in the oak looking for bugs.

He's very nervous, so it's tough to get a shot.

I was glad he came over and got in the sun a little so you could see he really is blue-gray! A very tiny bird.

The Eastern Phoebe is nesting under the office again, and flies out every time we drive in to park. She's usually out around the drive looking for flying bugs. This day her mouth was hanging open; maybe in anticipation of that next catch.

I'm sure there is a reason!

We close with a special treat. Saw these guys and just got off some shots because of the rare sight. They formed two or more 'V's as they flew.

After googling, found out these are American White Pelicans, at least 230 by my count, headed from their Gulf Coast wintering grounds to their British Columbia summer home. They make their trip in the March/April time frame. That's a long way to fly!