Plump and ready to go - a recent photo.
It might be the last hummingbird photo I take this year.
Today I stepped onto the deck and didn’t see them or hear their squeaky chitter-chatter for twenty long minutes. The silence was too apparent so I sat in a chair, waited for them, and thought about it. I was relieved to see two come in for a landing and guard their nectar.
It won’t be long now. At any moment, they will fly away without looking back and leave this uncomfortable place. I hope they soak up rain showers on their journey because they deserve a break – a vacation away from this dry pit.
I have heard they often return to the same address in the spring. That fact amazes me because I get lost while reading a road map.
Today I stepped onto the deck and didn’t see them or hear their squeaky chitter-chatter for twenty long minutes. The silence was too apparent so I sat in a chair, waited for them, and thought about it. I was relieved to see two come in for a landing and guard their nectar.
It won’t be long now. At any moment, they will fly away without looking back and leave this uncomfortable place. I hope they soak up rain showers on their journey because they deserve a break – a vacation away from this dry pit.
I have heard they often return to the same address in the spring. That fact amazes me because I get lost while reading a road map.
Since May, I have felt a sense of ownership or rather, a bond with my hummingbirds as if they were my pets. I’ll miss them and the pleasure they give.
24 comments:
With that relentless dry weather, I'm a bit surprised they're coming around, too!
It's been dry here, too.. and we can tell. Fewer birds.... fewer flowers.
Peace,
~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com
Dear Mary,
They have loved every minute at your house! You have kept them well feed and I know they will be back next year! They will bring even more friends to join in the Summertime party at Mary's.
Parting is sweet sorrow.
I do understand.
Any day now...
Sherry
What a sweet photo, Mary. Your "pets" will come back to you, in full force!
Mary, I am already missing my hummingbirds! Awww, such a cute little hummingbird and glad you were able to capture this shot before it left!
Oh Mary, it really is quite sad every fall when the finally leave. But they WILL be back next spring and nearly to the day of when they arrived this year (if you have it marked down somewhere).
You can also track their northward progress in the spring at this website: http://www.hummingbirds.net/
Mary I feel your sentiment.
So sad to see them go so now I am looking forward to spring
You made us feel as if we all owned those hummingbirds, Mary Marcel- but don't worry - even if the birds take off for other locations, we'll still keep coming back here.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hi Mary,
I love hummingbirds and have never had the pleasure of seeing plump ones before their journey - thank you!Is it appropriate to wish the little ones Godspeed for their travels:)
The numbers are dropping here, too. Fueling up and heading out.
They WILL come back to you. They can somehow remember how to get back.
We had rain today. I hope it reaches you!
Mary,
How could they resist coming back to such an island of peace and hospitality?
I'm sure you're sad to see them leave. I was just watching two at our oriole feeder during our dinner. The orioles are gone, but the hummingbirds will be here all year as they nest in the eucalyptus trees behind us..
:)
I will miss them as well. xo nita
It's been 7 days since I've seen one...I guess Charlotte is on the way to Central America from Greensboro.
I've never seen such a plumped up hummer! They are always sleek here as they buzz around chasing off other birds.
Wow; it's so puffed up, I didn't even recognize it as a hummingbird. We got a hummingbird feeder last weekend. A wee bit late, I would say. I did see one hummingbird on one of our flowers the next day, but none since. Guess I'll have to put it out next spring. Where do they go during the winter?
Cathie, try your feeders next April. They leave in the fall and head south - crossing the Gulf (18 hour trip) and land in Central America. Amazing, ey?
I know... we will certainly miss them. Sweet, sweet photo Mary.
I have seen only one or two hummers at my house; I don't think my little feeder is attracting them at all. I'm really bummed.... I guess it's probably location and color of feeder. I'll do better next year.
Oh Mary, how lucky you are that you have hummingbirds where you live. I only get to see them live in the Zoo.
A lovely pic of a cute hummingbird!
Oh, what a sweetie! I love the hummers as well. Glad to hear they are still visiting your place. What a gift you've given them by providing nectar all summer.
I'm still hoping your drought will end very soon!
Let's hear it for plumped up hummers reading to travel. Very cute! Tell us when they return next spring.
Mary Marcel! That's a great name.
Our hummers always returned in the spring in Ann Arbor and over the years their coming and going dates were very precise- always within a 3-4 days period. I missed them when they left for the year, and now we don't have any in Chicago. They're such feisty little things.
Just love all of your putdoor nature shots!
I've heard of them returning to the same place on the same day-amazing creatures!
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