Hummingbirds. Their very name is a allegory to their darting, humming flight, the incessant vibrations from their delicate wings that never seem to slow or stop.
These birds are joy-bringers, full of spunk and contradiction and elegance. I’ve grown up seeing hummingbirds only on rare occasions in Alberta, but now in British Columbia, these tiny avians are as common as bumblebees in the summer, heard by their buzzing flight and sometimes a warning call that pierces the sky with a comically awe-inspiring dive. Some species of hummingbirds are even known to chase off hawks. Though they may appear sweet and delicate, they’re truly feisty birds in nature.
Rufous hummingbirds are the most common here, copper-coloured feathers on their back with a brilliant crimson throat. In their breeding season, the males zip into the air, dive in a series of loops, and shriek a brief call that is unlike any other birdsong. I’ve seen these tiny birds chase each other away from feeders and flowers with a flight so quick and darting it’s hard to track where they go.
I enjoy watching these miniscule fliers. Their flight and brilliant colours never bore my observations. I’ve even experienced the miracle of touching a still hummingbird’s tail feathers, ducking as it realized it was spotted and indeed being touched and zipped over my head. The hummingbird featured in the photos in this post is a female rufous hummingbird, a curious and bright-eyed one that didn’t shy away from defending her feeders. These photos were taken on a neighbour’s property (the same property I got some of those excellent chipmunk photos on) and I’m extremely grateful we were able to look after his place while admiring the resident wildlife.
I hope to see more of these birds and continue photographing hummingbirds’ antics throughout the years!
Some neat photos in here, Hazel. I especially like the ones where the wings seem to be standing still. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Tim!