Pics of the Day

Back in mid-August we had a sunny Saturday when a young male Black-chinned hummingbird was really checking out all the zinnias, and the blue bottle feeder. Enjoy this offering from a few weeks ago.

 From this point on he had picked up that dusting of pollen on the end of his beak.

 The stripes on his neck are the tell-tale sign of his male immaturity. Don't say anything!

 We had recently got a bargain gate trellis at a season-end sale, and the big Texas star shows up nicely as the backdrop.

 Always enjoy when the brilliant color of the zinnia reflects on the hummer's breast.

 You may find it hard to believe, but that purple in the lower left is lavender that we planted as a starter this spring and nursed it through the Texas summer!

Look closely and you'll see he's sticking his tongue out.

Pics of the Day

One hundred degree days, and a healthy work load, really cut back on the picture-taking activity. Got a chance late this afternoon to open the window at the office and stalk the hummingbird feeder. Enjoy today's offering.

 General activity around the feeders has picked up, so you can't help but feel like there are already some travelers headed south.

 The Black-chinned male camps out there in the trees almost in line with the feeder.

 At this angle, the Guardian would be coming up on her back.

 Then sometimes she perches right above the feeder and waits for him to chase somebody else off.

 Hoping to get a little peek at that purple throat.

 My patience paid off. The feeder helped a little with the sun bouncing off the glass.

That is one glorious throat!

Pics of the Day

Even though the typical string of 100-degree days is here, the mornings on the porch have actually been pleasant. The hummingbird activity seems to be picking up, and some Green Herons have been camping out near the shore on the pond. Enjoy.

 End of day at the office, the hummers are chasing around and the feeder is in full sun.

 Early morning sun on the garden feeder at the end of my porch.

 Sporting a little pollen on his snout!

 The female snuck in while the male wasn't lookin'!

 Down at the other end of the porch, this male Ruby-throated is guarding another feeder.

And out on the pond, some Green Herons have found a convenient perch on some large limbs.

 Didn't know they were interested in dragon flies!