We have been so pleased to see the return of the hummingbirds to the feeders over the last couple of weeks and last week David captured some great photos. They are around on and off for most of the day - either on the feeders or perched on tree branches next to the decking from where they can 'guard' the feeders.
I have been reading today that the increased activity at the feeders - throughout the day and in any weather - may be due to the fact that they will soon begin their southerly migration back to the southern states or Mexico where they will spend the winter.
Both the female (first photo) and the male hummingbirds (with the coloured collar) are visiting the feeders, together with several smaller hummingbirds which seem to be their offspring.
They are all very territorial - hence this bird is more concerned about what is going on above than on the business of feeding. After a while she starts to 'shout' at the bird flying above..
Although we have identified a number of different birds - they have different styles of feeding with some perching, others hovering - they only feed here one at a time. If a second one turns up, one will normally be chased away.
In previous years they have not left here until late September - apparently the males leave first then the females follow . At present it is still very warm and not too cool at night, so hopefully they will be here for a while yet.
Great pictures. Hopefully they will stay a bit longer as we remember watching them in late September last year.
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