This little male showed up in our yard only a few days ago. I had seen the female around for awhile so I was delighted when I realized the male had arrived. His brilliant flash of violet throat and crown was a happy sight. Then I began hearing his exuberant, scratchy song from the apricot tree. He loves to perch in among the leaves, a post from which he can easily dart down to feed in the garden.
And I have made sure there is nectar available! Russelia and the three Salvia greggii plants are the favourites, and supposedly the new Hamelia patens will be another though I haven't seen the birds on it yet.
Yesterday, knowing he was around, I decided to try to capture some pictures. I brought out the camera and approached the apricot tree. He has been fairly wary so I was anxious not to close the distance too much. I could hear him warbling squeakily to the afternoon breezes. I made a poor imitation with a whistle. He responded enthusiastically.
We talked to each other for a long time, he in the tree, I below, trying to get shots of him between times. But he was against the light and a bit too far away. Eventually he left to feed in the flowers. I went around to the patio and settled into one of the chairs there, just behind the Russelia he was so busy at. He was fine with my presence, and I began snapping pictures. At last I got some that could at least be shared for the record.
I believe this is a Costa's Hummingbird. Each of the pair is a little smaller and a little more wary than the birds we had last year, which were probably Anna's Hummingbirds. And the male's flash of colour when the light hits is distinctly violet. But I certainly won't be dogmatic about the ID as I don't have much experience yet. Whichever they are, they are marvelous to have around.
Today I saw them flying together for the first time. It would be thrilling to host a hummingbird nest...
Beautiful! You've prepared a great hummingbird garden for them. I hope they nest close by.
ReplyDeleteI do too, Luisa! It should work out - right next to the larder, so to speak... ;-)
DeleteThey are such special birds. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Jessica! There's something about hummingbirds, and it's not the just the colour because the females aren't that bright. But they really are unique... not quite like any other birds... :)
DeleteNeat! congratulations, I hope they take up residence.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hollis - we shall see... :)
DeleteGreat photos! I love the hummingbirds - they are truly delightful. Pineapple sage (salvia elegans) is also great for attracting them, and you can use the leaves in salads, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat, Matt - I love pineapple sage...! All the better if the hummingbirds do too... :)
DeleteGreat shots, Amy, especially as you had to go through hoops to get them. Are they year-round residents or do they just winter with you? Annas are year-round residents here but Rufous just pass through, squabbling with the Annas when they're here. I don't think I've seen Costas but, like you, I'm not practiced at identification. In any case, I hope yours hang around and stay awhile.
ReplyDeleteOne reference says that Anna's can be here all year, but ours seem to have moved out for the summer. Costa's only winter here apparently. I'll take them as long as they want to stay ;-)
DeleteI am very envious humming birds in the garden. The most colourful bird we have is Goldfinches, which are very welcome.
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds are definitely one of the perks here ;-) I've only seen photos of the European Goldfinch, which seems to be much more colouful than ours - I'd love to see it!
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