I typically get obsessed with a topic or subject to photograph for a while and then it becomes all-consuming for some time. This summer it was hummingbirds. I had never been successful attracting them to my backyard so this year I made a project out of it. First I replaced some of my plants with surefire Hummer attracting plants. Then I got rid of the feeder that the Hummers could never figure out how to feed from. Then purchased some inexpensive feeders and hung them up and what do you know? I had hummingbirds all over my back yard!
The type of hummingbird that seemed to dominate my yard and the feeders is the Rufous Hummingbird. These little guys are feisty. They put on aerial acrobatics that would rival a Blue Angels air show vying to be the Lord of the Feeders. For many weeks I sat outside in the early morning and evenings and enjoyed their company. They soon let me sit right by the feeders and take pictures of them. I did not seem to bother them at all. They buzzed my old Labrador retriever a few times and she got cranky about it and barked at them which did not seem to impress the birds.
Sadly, last evening I went out to watch them and not a single bird showed up. The local newspaper said they were getting ready to migrate but I thought it is still summer! Surely they are not leaving yet? I sat there until dark and did not hear their little chirps announcing they were there or the shrill sounds of combat my dogs and I have grown accustomed to. This morning I saw a couple of birds visit the feeders but the days of seeing 6 or 7 at once seem to have passed. With their departure comes the first whisper of winter. I will miss them until they return next summer.
Northern Desert Photography 
I love hummers. I had 10 at my feeders at the same time. They have really been amazing this year. I read an article where it told that their migration is changing due to the lack feeding places along the trail of their migration. I am not sure but we have a lot more at our feeders this year. I am lucky that our Costa Hummingbirds stay will us year round. The Rufous usually pass through and are gone but they are already back. It sure is fun watching them.
I love them too. They replaced watching TV for me this summer. You are so lucky they stay year round. Much too cold for them here. Thanks for stopping in and sharing hummingbird fandom!
Great pictures by the way!
Thank you!
Great post and equally great photos to go along with it. 🙂
I just realized that I used the same words when I commented I comment on your previous post about the coyotes and the horses. I am getting too repetitive, I guess. But both posts were great, and all the photo were great too. 🙂
No worries Bob. I am just glad you stopped in and commented. I greatly appreciate it.
What a stunning blog… Many thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping in snowbirdpress!
Beautiful photos. I love the detail you captured.
Thank you yourlifesmoments. I am anxiously awaiting the hummingbirds return for hopefully better pics.
Brilliant pictures!
Thanks for visiting and commenting chillibasket. I appreciate it.
These are absolutely fantastic! Hummingbirds are so quick, I love how you captured these in your pictures.
Thanks so much RJ. I loved spending the time with them last summer. Can’t wait for their return.
Love those little guys! We rarely get them here in NY. Used to get tons in LA, especially near bottlebrush trees. Thx for sharing these pics!
Thanks Lori. I would be sad if I lived where there were no hummingbirds. Just love em. 🙂
I tried shooting our hummers this year and have a ways to go to equal your beautiful images. We have year round Anna’s, but the Rufous do a spring migration through here when it’s hard to keep the feeders full. They sure are a rambunctious and feisty bunch. But true that they’re far more fun to watch than TV.
I have the Rufous from mid July until the last week of August. Here for just a short time but what a blast they are while they are around. 🙂