Juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbirds--Vickie Henderson

I have had many more hummingbirds at my feeders this summer than in the past two combined.  I have no explanation for why, but I've taken advantage of the opportunity to observe them as often as possible.  This precious time has provided me with tons of reference photos, many surprises, and a special place for hummingbirds burned ever more deeply into my heart.

Fall migration is naturally a very busy time of year.  Not only do we have all the adults from northern breeding grounds coming through our yards in the southeastern USA, but the air is full of this year's fledglings.  It is these juveniles that have impressed me the most this year.  On three occasions I have watched what I have come to call 'flight wrestling', as two fan-tailed, spiraling juveniles carry their dispute all the way to the ground.  Always my jaw drops and I marvel at the intensity of their fiery spirits.  They quickly recover and I know that these disputes are preparing them for the skills and stamina they need to survive both their rigorous migration journey and competition for food on their wintering grounds.

Visit my blog post, Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration to enjoy some of the fun images I've captured at my feeders this season, and in Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Sea Turtles, I share how nature and art come together for me, making my world a richer place.