2009 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Vol. 7

but remained on high alert!!

ooo! Scary mantis. tell him to go eat some aphids instead!

wow, 50! just amazing! Man, I hate to see them go and will miss all your pictures.

I hate to see them go also,i hope they are still around when we return.

mine were here until the first week in October last ye ar

Nice pics Rose! I will be sorry to see them go too.

Thanks guys...today is so fall like it is making me sad...well not really!

Sun finally came out and got this little juvie male guarding the tiny feeder!

Here he is again...looking menacing!

He is so handsome Rose! Lovely shots!

Thanks Pelle...he thinks so too! LOL!

By the way he looks. I'd say ... He knows so. lol, beautiful series everyone!

I was just out trying to get pictures of a Vulture in flight when the hummingbird flew in. I was hand holding the heavy camera/lens so this is what I was able to get. Some of them are so relaxed!

great shots today everyone!!.. just seeing that mantis photo freaks me out

Wonderful shots, one and all. Rose, I didn't know until a few days ago that mantis posed a threat to Hummingbirds. Would one the size of the one you've photographed there still be a threat?

Rose they were even in manic mode down here. The numbers doubled today from what I usually see. Late this evening it was not save to be out. I could not keep track of all the times I was buzzed.

This young one was quite busy defending his feeder. He tried to look as mean as was possible.

Earlier in the day everything had been so peaceful.

Nice pics Frank!

Here's mine looking mean, Frank. I guess they all try to do it.

Dave

Awwwww!!

Nice ones Pelle, Frank and Dave. Here is my mean one!! LOL!

Here she is acting like a little lady.

Margaret...I'm not sure at what size the Mantis poses a threat but I do know that they have tremendous strength in their jaws and legs. If I see one near the Hummers feeding area I move it!

Wonderful pics Dave and Dellrose!!

I just got back from spending the morning in Cape May where for the 3rd and 4th time we watched Ruby-throated Hummingbirds doggedly chasing much larger birds till they were out of site due to distance. They are just the funniest little birds!

Thanks Pelle.

You might want to report your Hummingbird sightings here http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/Maps.html . From what I understand the Texas coast is already being flooded with the flying jewels...about 3-4 weeks earlier than normal.

We recently had company visiting from Texas and they assured me that the Texas coast provides nectar for the the traveling little ones. They have been in Rockport during migration and the RV parks are loaded with people and nectar feeders enjoying the action. I think next year I have to plan a trip just to see it!

Hi Rose, Thank you!

Neat "mean" shots you guys!!

Nice juvie male...LOL

Nice adult male...

small confrontation....

This one was out back at the feeder this morning just when the light was bad to shoot a photo!

Nice pics nanny!

3-4 weeks early? oh that's just sad because I'm still not seeing numbers. Had one this afternoon, but nothing this evening.

How 'bout this guy's tongue?

Nanny your Hummers look so well behaved...but I know better! I love that confrontation one...so very typical!!

Dave...you are Kind of Tongues! LOL!

"The Stare"

Here are a couple with two birds in the shot. Sorry I couldn't get both birds in focus.

two

three

four

Last one before he broke and ran.

Love the way they can twist their necks.

Whatta you lookin at, Dave?

LOVE that tongue shot Dave!!

Great pics guys!