Sunday, August 15, 2010

Fun at the Hummingbird Feeders - Vickie Henderson

Ruby-throated hummingbirds from northern breeding grounds are migrating through Tennessee right now, adding to the numbers of local hummers and their fledged off-spring.  As if it's not enough to see so many hummers zipping around the feeders, I've had the added pleasure of another frequent guest, a male Downy Woodpecker.
When I hear his call, I often step to the window to watch the activity.  Hummers zip all around him, ignoring his presence while they fling their fury at one another in U-shaped dives.  But on this occasion, a hummer hovered for an instant to get a better look, then settled down on the feeder to drink right along with him!

To see more about how this sketch was created visit Triple the Fun of Painting at Vickie's Sketchbook and to view more of my hummingbird sketches, visit Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

9 comments:

  1. A real beauty, Vickie. Love your treatment of the bottle and the background.

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  2. Thanks, Pam. All the elements of this sketch were fun to create.

    Hi Dan,
    Thank you!

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  3. It's nice to hear comments about the background. I wondered in the end, if it might be too busy for the subject. Thanks, Linda.

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  4. How gorgeous to watch such activity Vickie! Your Hummingbirds are such amazing little things (we don't have them here in South Africa), and my Sunbirds are currently totally ignoring my nectar feeders in favour of the Aloe's flowers!

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  5. I'd love to see one of these little guys so close! Our feeder's never very busy--had one perch on a branch near the shed yesterday though...

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  6. Hummers never cease to amaze, Maree. I learn something new every time I sit outside to watch their activity. You must paint an Aloe flower! I have one on my window sill but have never seen their blossom. Would also love to see your Sunbirds!

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  7. Kate, I had one hover within two feet of me yesterday, a young one checking me out. You can't help but giggle at their curiosity. This year has been an extra pleasure. It's a puzzle because I don't have many flowers, just a few pots of red Pentas in bloom and three feeders hanging from the deck above, at the edge of my patio. It's easy for me to see the activity when I'm home--a wonderful smile break.

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