More hummingbirds....

In order to not make it appear as if I was only excited to see an anomaly in the world of hummingbirds, I did get some pictures of the "normal" hummingbirds as well.  I had been trying to get pictures at my feeders, but hadn't had any luck.  It is too easy to get distracted at home by the next project or child that needed my attention.  At my in-laws, I was able to sit on the porch, drink coffee, and simply wait for the entertainment.  Listening to the birds talk and scold and protect their territory is always entertaining.

"Who, me?"

Posing for a side view...

I had not realized how speckled the throat of a hummingbird is.  I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a ruby throated male, but not luck that morning.

Someone has their feathers ruffled...

Waiting and watching for the next intruder...

...and a little preening.  I tried and tried to get this shot.  I would click the shutter just a second to late.  I was happy to have caught this.

Fluffed and puffed

This reminds me of just how small these birds are.

Albino hummingbird

My mother-in-law called this morning to let us know that a white hummingbird had come to their feeders yesterday.  She knew that I would be interested in trying to get a picture of it.  I believe that it is truly an albino hummingbird.  In doing further research online, I found that there are albino and Leucistic Ruby Throated hummingbirds.  Leucisitic birds still have dark coloring on their bills, feet and eyes.  This bird does not.  They are reportedly very rare.  It was an amazing sight!

I have been checking online to find an organization that might be interested in knowing of an albino sighting, but only found one in the Carolinas.  I sent an email to the Cornell Lab of Orinthology and am awaiting a return email.  Does anyone else have a suggestion?

 

 

Hummingbirds duels

As I sit in front of my computer this morning, I am being entertained by what is going on outside my window.  A duel of sorts.  Let me explain...

I enjoy feeding the birds as well as gardening.  Every year, I put out my two hummingbird feeders.  This year had a slow start.  Where were the hummingbirds?  The food would sit and no birds came.  This was odd.  I always have hummingbirds.  As summer has progressed, the birds have found my feeders once again and I have regular visitors.  Two feeders with more than two hummingbirds is where the dueling comes in. 

Prior to beginning to feed them, I had not known how territorial hummingbirds are.  It is comical to watch one sit on or near the feeder with a watchful eye out for a competitor.  As soon as one comes near, the chase is on.  I can look out my window and see two birds zipping by.  And noisy!  I could hear them across the street going at it earlier this week.

It has been extremely dry here in central Illinois this summer, so I think that my hummingbirds are appreciative of the constant supply of food.  It has been a difficult year to keep plants alive and blooming.  Perhaps dying flowers have made them more dependent on the feeders.  With the high heat, the sugar water can go bad quickly, and it is important to keep fresh food in the feeders and wash the feeders well.  Mold likes to try to grow if you aren't careful.  The food is very easy to make.  There is no need to buy the more expensive red tinted food at the store.  Here is the recipe that I use:

Hummingbird food

Four parts water, boiled

One part sugar

For example, this morning I boiled two cups water and then added 1/2 cup sugar.  Stir to mix.  Once the sugar water has cooled, I pour it in clean feeders.  The food does not have to be red.  I read once that putting red food coloring in the food can be harmful to the birds.