The Anna’s hummingbird is a year-round resident of the Seattle area. We have a group that lives in the big-ass Douglas Fir just off our decks. We put out feed for them. Unfortunately, it’s been so cold that the feed freezes overnight. (As Julian says, “So much for freezing point depression.”)
Hummingbirds are quite territorial. We often see them chasing each other away from the feeder. A recent article in The New York Times shows the rather nasty beak of one species of hummingbird, which seems to be designed to maim the competition. Despite their territorial behavior, this video shows a male hummingbird trying to free a female from the center well of a feeder similar to ours.
I was trying to get a picture of the hummingbirds at the feeder today with my phone, but I wasn’t fast enough. I was also in the midst of baking frenzy. Julian brought his camera and tripod upstairs and lay in wait for his subjects. He succeeded.
Hummingbirds at our feeder in the snow. Photo courtesy of Julian.
Recent Comments