[Mama_Bear]

Anna’s hummingbird is the only non-migrating species of hummer.

Really? So, the hummingbirds that stay through the winter here are Anna's Hummingbirds? That's interesting. I didn't know that.

I had a Rufous Hummingbird here for a week or so last year. Thank goodness he moved on. He commandeered the feeder and would let no other birds near it. Here he was an interloper and had the nerve to just take over the feeder! He would sit on a branch about 6 inches away from the feeder and guard it day and night.......and then after about a week, he just left. He was a beautiful reddish-copper colored bird, but what a bully! He looked a lot like this, except his copper chin feathers just lit up in the sun.

[La Enchiladita]

Thank you for sharing in the joy of the nesting:). This is a terrific picture of the Rufous, what perfection in the feathering.

I need to go offline for awhile; see all later.

[yorkie]

Rofous used to come around in September, but each year, he comes earlier. Last year he was here almost all summer - I had two feeders up - and he would sit between them both - just daring a ruby throat or anna to come near. Then he would DIVE BOMB them! I really thought the other birds were going to starve to death. And he is the smallest of the hummingbirds, I think.

[jaycee]

Thats a beautiful hummingbird. Never see one like that in this part of the country. All of mine are the ruby-throated. I love them all. I am just glad I have them!

[OESY]

Male Allen's Hummingbird, by Ken Phenicie Jr.

I see your hummingbird, and raise you one (or two).

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[OESY]

Abigail feeding hummingbirds in her jammies at 8:am

"I am Abigail Alfano, the woman in the photos. My husband, Sam is the photographer. We live in Pine, Louisiana which is approximately 1 1/2 hours north of New Orleans.This year we had more hummingbirds in our yard than I ever recall. The feeder sits right outside of my window where I drink my morning coffee. I remember watching the birds one morning and telling my husband that I wish I could just hold one! We decided to give it a shot."

"Over the course of several days, I would simply stand beside the feeder so that they would get used to my presence. Then, I began putting my hands around the feeder so that in order to drink they had to land on my fingers. I was amazed at how quickly they were willing to do this.

"The next step was to remove the feeder and place a small red cap on an old milk can in the same area. They eventually found the small replacement and began feeding. The morning the photos were taken, I simply went outside and filled the cap with the sugar water, placed it in the palm of my hand, and sat very very still. Within ten minutes, they were resting in my hands, drinking. It was sheer delight for me! I was even able to move my hands around a bit with the birds on my fingers. They are light as a feather...and simply beautiful. I can't wait until next year."



A small plastic cap serves as a feeder.




The hummers were more concerned about arguing over the feeder than perching on Abigail's fingers.

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