Gary left this morning after rushing in to deposit yet another houseplant for me to take care of. Very quiet today!
The weather is pitch perfect. Seventies, sunny, moderate humidity. The morning's walk was on a different street, change of scenery.
Later I spent a lot of time out on the deck drinking tea, reading Donna Leon and being visited by birds.
If you're still and quiet long enough they get quite daring. A couple of wrens sat near me for a while, singing and shouting.
Then a hummingbird, probably the same one as yesterday, we have very few, came and perched in the butterfly bush a few feet from me, resting for about twenty minutes.
I had no idea they ever rested. Anyway it was the best view I've ever had of a male ruby throated hummingbird. Here's an Internet picture, no chance of my getting one, anyway I didn't want to disturb him.
Hummingbirds are so spectacularly glittery (and I so unfamiliar wirh them) that first I every encountered (on a rainy day in Grenada) had me thinking it was some kind of huge beetle whirring about the bush I was sheltering in.
ReplyDeleteYes, at first you think insect, because it's hard to believe a bird is so small.
DeleteHaving a hummingbird perch nearby is as close to magic as one can be. What a lovely touch to the whole day, as was the perfect weather.
ReplyDeleteI just finished "Vanishing Fleece". It was fascinating and eye-opening. Thanks for the recommendation.
Chris from Boise
Yes, a wonderful day. I'm very glad you read Vanishing Fleece. It's an education, isn't it?
DeleteWe don't have hummingbirds here and I was so excited to see a few as they fed at a feeder in Canada's Rocky Mountains. I'd seen them on tv, of course. But it real life, they are stunning. Bears, moose, ho hum, but chipmunks were fantastically entertaining too.
ReplyDeleteThe few times I've seen a hummingbird it's such a rush of excitement. Chipmunks, destructive little fellers, not so much. I've had friends with house fires and floods caused by their chewing through wiring and pipes
DeleteGlad you coped and had a visit from that hummingbird to brighten your day. That’s a new world bird and we don’t have them here. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they aren't in Europe. I must learn more about them.
DeleteHow lovely to see a hummingbird like that. I've never seen one. Don't think we have them.
ReplyDeleteThe entire bird is less than three inches long, tops. I don't think they're to be found in Europe.
DeleteWhat a beautiful little bird - such a privilege to have one rest near you for so long. Moments like that stay with one.
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds are miracles all on their own, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteWhat a privilege and a pleasure to commune with that gorgeous hummingbird!
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing the kind of flutter their wings make, when being buzzed by a hummingbird, and then watching one watching me. It does make me wonder what they think of us!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a peaceful day, visited by such a beautiful little bird.
ReplyDeleteI remember the hummers at SIL’s cottage busy visiting a feeder hanging by the window. They might be only a foot away.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see a hummingbird it is amazing to me! I've never gotten a photo of one either as they flit so quickly away. I just get so much pleasure when I see one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical moment! I've only seen hummingbirds a handful of times (we have none in the UK) and every time I do, while on vacation somewhere, it's amazing. I don't ever remember seeing them in Florida, either, but it's possible I just wasn't paying attention.
ReplyDeleteOne of my photographer friends has a hummingbird feeder and gets fun shots. They are neat little birds. Happy Weekend and Boogie Boogie.
ReplyDeleteSitting quietly amid the birds sounds heavenly! Nature has a way of making us watch and listen.
ReplyDeleteI never, ever tire of bird watching. And listening. And would love to be blessed with hummingbirds.
ReplyDeletereally beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a magical day with perfect weather. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a visit from HP - I'm a firm believer that it happens. They say that seeing a cardinal is a visit from beyond too. I did know that hummingbirds will sit in one place for awhile because I've seen it but you had an extra-long visit.
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