One is the loneliest number

[beowulff]

Usually Anna’s hatch two eggs. Mama only got one this year, and it’s almost ready to fly:

[burpo_the_wonder_mutt]

One of the coolest things in my life happened a few weeks back: I was sitting on the back patio when a hummingbird came down to use the brand new feeder. A few seconds later, it flew right up to my face, hovered about 8 inches from my nose for 5 seconds or so, then flew away. Mrs. Burpo is the avian buff; can’t get enough of H-birds–she missed the entire thing. And she was sitting right beside me, but watching the dogs over her shoulder. She’s green with envy!

[Little_Pig]

Did it chirp at you while hovering? If so, it was reminding you of whose turf it was. HBs are fearless.

[PurpleClogs]

Great photos! Hummingbird nests are so cute!

[burpo_the_wonder_mutt]

@Little_Pig

Did it chirp at you while hovering? If so, it was reminding you of whose turf it was. HBs are fearless.

I don’t remember any chirping, but you can bet yer tuchis I’ll be listening in the future! :eek: Thanks for the tip. BTW, what can I expect from a HB attack?

[beowulff]

@burpo_the_wonder_mutt

I don’t remember any chirping, but you can bet yer tuchis I’ll be listening in the future! :eek: Thanks for the tip. BTW, what can I expect from a HB attack?

They’ll poke your eye out!

(Actually, I’ve never heard of a Hummer attacking a person, although they may buzz you…)

[Doctor_Jackson]

@burpo_the_wonder_mutt

I don’t remember any chirping, but you can bet yer tuchis I’ll be listening in the future! :eek: Thanks for the tip. BTW, what can I expect from a HB attack?

Well, there’s this:

“However, have you ever really watched hummingbirds interacting with each other?” he said. “They are the most mean, vicious, aggressive birds I think I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Male hummingbirds will attack even females of the same species who get too close to the feeder. Two males Strycker discovered fighting in a ditch in Costa Rica were so infuriated by each other he was able to pick them up with ease. Their temper is likely a function of the high caloric intake required to sustain their furious, lonely and short lives, Strycker said. Hummingbirds suffer from a high rate of heart attacks and strokes, and leave virtually no evidence that they existed.

Good thing they’re little!

[beowulff]

@Doctor_Jackson

Well, there’s this:
Good thing they’re little!

Someone once said (to paraphrase) “People think of hummingbirds like they are fairies - small, beautiful, gentle creatures. They’re not - their more like fighter pilots in very maneuverable aircraft, and they don’t take crap from anyone!”

[GaryM]

Here in the Midwest we have Ruby Throated HB. I have several feeders out and they are great to watch. Ours only make a “tew tew tew” call and it’s not very loud. One of my feeders hangs from a suction cup on a window so I can stand inside and watch from about 12" away.
Fearless little birds indeed.

[beowulff]

Here’s one more. I suspect he/she will have left the nest by tomorrow - the baby looked like it was going to up and take off when I poked my camera in the tree…

[Little_Pig]

@burpo_the_wonder_mutt

I don’t remember any chirping, but you can bet yer tuchis I’ll be listening in the future! :eek: Thanks for the tip. BTW, what can I expect from a HB attack?

beowulff is correct. I have never been attacked but the may buzz you and will hover before you, looking you right in the eye. The HBs that visit my feeder are used to me. I can sit next to the feeder and they don’t mind a bit. Generally they hover while feeding but sometimes they’ll rest on the little roost of my feeder. Fun birds to watch.

[Sunspace]

@beowulff

Someone once said (to paraphrase) “People think of hummingbirds like they are fairies - small, beautiful, gentle creatures. They’re not - their more like fighter pilots in very maneuverable aircraft, and they don’t take crap from anyone!”

I’ve come to the conclusion that a lot of birds are better thought of as velociraptors with feathers.

[beowulff]

@beowulff

Here’s one more. I suspect he/she will have left the nest by tomorrow - the baby looked like it was going to up and take off when I poked my camera in the tree…

DSC_4972 | beowulff | Flickr

OK, I looked out there again, and it’s gone…
Hope it thrives out there in the big, big world!