Of flying fairies.
It’s a bit tricky to take a photo and feed a hummer at the same time!
Most of The Holler Hummers are packing on calories now to prepare for migration.
Black Chinned Hummingbirds, like the one pictured above, travel to western Mexico or the Gulf.
Rufous Hummingbirds (above) have one of the largest migratory bird journeys in the world, flying up to 3,900 miles each year. Rufous populations are in decline due to habitat destruction and they are now designated a threatened species.
Some Anna’s hummingbirds stay year round at The Holler.
Responsibly maintained backyard bird feeders have helped vulnerable hummingbird species thrive.
They have brought dwindling population numbers up and expanded the territory of many species.
During migration, hummingbird hearts can beat over 1200 times per minute, their wings can flap 80 times per second, and they often fly alone.
Cheers to you from The Holler’s magical flying fairies~
Wonderful, magical photos!
Wonderful photos of these little winged jewels, Cindy. I’m sorry to hear that the Rufous is threatened. I’m glad they have found you at the Holler. <3
They definitely are part of the family. Even Herbert the cat won’t mess with the hummers! π
Very cool photo of feeding the hummer by hand! Such long journeys for some of those tiniest of birds…
Thank you Trent. The rufous are incredible. They go as far north as Alaska and then far south into the tropics, all in one year. And then they do it again! α
That is incredible. Over here we just have the ruby-throated (that is, only species), and they fly across the Gulf of Mexico nonstop! That can be 500 miles or more. Hummingbirds are amazing.
Yes. 500 miles. Twice a year! I think I understand why the Nazca carved giant hummingbirds into rock that can only be seen from high elevation. They are magical.
Great images π·π·π·π
Thank you! α
Many thanks for sharing these delightful birds Cindy. We can when we wish to be a help, rather than a hindrance, to share and give them a chance to live. Those feeders may not seem like much but in tandem with many others make the difference in a big way π β€οΈ ππ½ π¦
You are exactly right. One well maintained feeder, multiplied by caring people all over the western hemisphere are making a significant difference, feeder by feeder. α α
They really are! Great captures Cindy π Our little guys here in the northeast are pretty rambunctious right now. Lots of hummer activity around for all of us to enjoy!
Isn’t it amazing how far north they fly! Rufous and Anna’s can be found in Alaska! α α
I get Rufous here about this time, every year, for a few weeks. I think most people in my area put out feeders, so Northern New Mexico must be a good pit stop on their travels.
They go really far up north, so they need feeding stations for pit stops en route south. Thank you and your neighbors for supplying this. Rufous populations need our help α α
These are fantastic pictures! Hummingbirds are so beautiful to see, if you can catch a shot of them, and you definitely have π
Ahh, thank you so much and I am glad you love hummingbirds! They are such special little creatures α α
They definitely are!
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They are quite friendly if they can feed off your hand.
They are friendly and trusting. I only hand fed them once for a brief period a few years ago. I don’t want them to think they can trust all humans. It could be fatal for them α
Wonderful!
Grazie mille Bette α
For two summers in the early 80’s, I worked at a guest ranch high in the Rocky Mountains. At the lodge, in front of a Polack-sized picture window, we hung a hummingbird feeder, a two-quart IV bottle with a custom made cap feeder, complete with wire rim for the serious drinkers.
The entertainment came, after dinner, when I would stand beneath this pendulous feeder and slowly, ever so slowly, lift my hand up and behind an unsuspecting victim. When the bird was fully engrossed with slurping sugary syrup, I would strike and grab them.
Index finger over the top, thumb and middle finger supporting them just beneath their wings I held them as they flapped frantically. Gripped like a flesh and feather dart I would present the trophy to the guests gathered behind the glass. They would marvel, snap photos, but in the end, plead with me to loose the poor creature to the air.
As if aiming for some distant bullseye, I would fling my furious weapon forward. Off it would go, zooming into the azure sky, indignant but free of my clumsy grip.
True story.
They are the most beautiful and fragile of birds. Their long distance migrations are astonishing. We see few in the northeast but treasure the sightings. I find it amazing that you capture them in flight with their high frequency wing beats. Thatβs mighty good photography, Cindy!
Thank you Peter. I am so happy you see them. They do manage to get around a bit don’t they! α
I just melt into the pictures of the hummers that you share and all that you share about them. I finally saw one larger than usual a day or 2 ago, though still of the tiny type. These are mostly a solid brown’ish color (from what I can see, they’re so small and so incredibly fast). It’s magical that you can get so close to them, a blessing indeed. Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures, the information, a piece of your life and a piece of you. πππ Kimba
Awww, such a wonderful comment. I worry a bit, thinking, “a fourth post on hummers, people will get bored…”
Thank you so much for making me happy I went ahead and posted anyway. Hugs to you & cheers too α
Those are outstanding photos, Cindy! We have many hummers here, too. They love the trumpet vine, and the hollyhocks.
Thank you Lavinia and yes they do love those flowers! If you plant flowers loved by butterflies and live in the hummer’s path, they will pay you a visit and probably even stay awhile. Lucky you! α
As tiny as they are, I wonder why they don’t do the “safety in numbers” thing and migrate together. I guess their motto is, instead, “though they be tiny, they be fierce.” π
Sometimes they do join mixed flocks. But they are fiercely independent little critters, even when crossing vast distances, they mostly do it alone. You are right, “They be fierce!” α
This is really beautiful. Having them trust you like this and to come close for picture time is so lovely. Well done!
Thank you very much. So appreciated! They are just wonderful creatures. As I type this, they are about three feet away, outside my window busily packing on the calories α
Wonderful.
Cindy, thank you for these beautiful photographs!
Thank you more for appreciating the hummers Charles & be well my friend α
They really are a phenomenon in the bird world. Nice indeed!
So happy you enjoyed them & cheers Hans α
I love that first one in particular!
I only fed them by hand for a brief time a few years ago. I don’t think it is a good idea to teach them to trust all humans α
Oh my goodness. They are magical arenβt they? I was told by one of my neighbors that hummingbirds visit the flowering tree outside our apartment building, but I havenβt been lucky enough to see one yet. I may hang a feeder on my porch.
Yes, please do so. You may catch the about to be migrators and give them a boost as they go α
I love your hummingbird photos, Cindy! You say the Rufous Hummingbird migrates up to 3,900 miles – where does it go?
This is an interesting question. Please know, I am no sort if hummingbird expert. I just love them.
That said, “Where does it go?”
The rufous, goes as far as Alaska, before it returns to Mexico, but people have them on their feeders in all sorts of other states far from here. They find food where it is, on their migration.
Rufous are flying miracles. They are usually the most aggressive birds on my feeders.
How lovely, they really trust you!
They do, which worries me just a tad because I want them to stay cautious around people α
These beautiful birds have you as their great friend. Thank you, Cindy! π
Thank you more Fabio α
I had no idea hummers took such long journeys – incredible, as are your awesome photos of them, Cindy. Thank you so much for the cheerful colors and beautiful creatures.
Thank you for appreciating our feathered friends Sheila & stay safe my friend α
How did you manage to take that photo and feed the bird? You are a magician of bird photography!
Lovely pictures. π
Awww, thank you! It was tricky. I extended my arm as far as I could and pulled the camera hand back as far as it would go. I took a lot of photos, over a few days, but I don’t do it anymore because I don’t want to train wild birds to think they can trust all humans. For more photos of them feeding see: https://cindyknoke.com/2016/07/14/trust/
I had forgotten that post! Such amazing photos, Cindy – you are very talented (and have a very steady hand). π
You are a thoughtful friend Lynette. Cheers to you α
Thank you. π
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This has been an amazing series, Cindy. Thank you!
Thank you Rebecca α
real pretty!
Happy you like them α
Stunning photos, especially the one where you’re holding the feeder!
Alison
I find hummingbirds forever fascinating. It is truly incredible that these tiny critters can fly such huge distances when they are migrating. Most surprising to see among your photos was the first where a hummingbird was drinking from the cup you were holding. Have a great weekend, Cindy!
The picture feeding the hummer gives me some idea of their size. Elizaβs correct when she calls them winged jewels. Fantastic photos.
Thank you so much Sheree. I should have know to include more feeding shots for perspective, but better late than never. α
Itβs just that I had no idea of the birdβs size beforehand.
Yes, I completely understand. It is impossible to know without something in the photo providing perspective. α
Such sweet, sweet babies.
Yes. They are very, very special in so many ways α
I had the pleasure of feeding hummingbirds in a sanctuary in Jamaica near Montego Bay. If you visit you book ahead. I can’t remember the specific name but I think it is the woman’s name who founded it.
Oh that sounds wonderful. I love to see the different species! α
Gorgeous photographs Cindy, what a treat to have these delightful fairies visit and thank you for feeding them responsibly too π€π
You are most welcome my friend. Hosting the hummers is joy. Cheers to you & stay well α
Beautiful!… So the migration journeys of some hummers are longer than that of our storks over here in Germany! And the hummers are compared with storks such tiny creatures! Wow!
Yes, I agree with you. Hummingbirds are so tiny, the distance of their migration is really quite impressive. Of course I love your storks too! α
Simply marvelous, cindy! They are all beautifully shota. Thank you!!
So appreciated Isabel. You are most welcome my friend α
These birds truly are awe-inspiring. Thanks so much for showcasing them often.
Thank you more for appreciating them α
Wonderful as always Cindy and such remarkable little creatures with a warrior spirit.. in our current cycle of negative news, they are a lovely reminder that the world is still an amazing place to live in..β₯
Yes. Hummingbirds are tiny, courageous, and prove that life is beautiful. Thank you for seeing and feeling so sensitively Sally α
Amazing pics ππ
Grazie mille α
My pleasure always.
αα
Such pretty little things, well done on photo one, that must have taken some taking! π€£
At little contorted freezing. Gave me a crick in the neck! π α
The 1st picture is particularly amazing. β€ All of them indeed.
Thanks so much and happy you enjoyed them! α
Such an amazing little bird.
They are magical little wonders α
Oh yes!
αα
What an incredible bird! Brilliant photo of you feeding it, as it gives you such a great idea of the size.
Perspective with large and small things in photos is important. I often forget this, so thank you for noticing Emma α
I love these flying fairies! Your images capture their beauty do well. The only ones we get where I live are Ruby Throated. Iβm doing my best to help them with three feeders and a garden of nectar flowers.
I am so glad you are doing your part. It is quite heartening to know that so many people all across the hemisphere are helping hummingbirds, bird by bird, and feeder by feeder! α
Awesome shots. π
Thanks so much & hope all is well with you! α
Beautiful – I always wanted to feed a hummingbird. I tried but no luck – hats off to you Cindy – if anyone could do it, it would have to be you π
I did it several times, several years ago, but stopped when I realized that habituating wild migrating vulnerable birds to trust humans maybe wasn’t the best idea. I don’t want them to trust the wrong person. Now like you, I just enjoy them without physical contact. α
We used to feed the deer and they got quite close. Then the coyotes moved in and we quit feeding them… not going to provide a meal for those critters!
Well done! I did not realise they were so tiny!
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Hummingbirds, the flying fairies.
Thank you being such a good friend to the hummers and to me Patricia α
A good send off for them
They bulk up before leaving, gaining 25% or more of their body weight for the trip south α
I saw a humming bird moth today but didn’t have the camera handy.
Yes, how DID you take the picture while feeding a hummingbird, Cindy? They are truly resilient and amazing creatures. How spectacular that you get to keep some of them year-round.
They are life enhancers beyond a doubt! I held the feeder with a fully extended left arm and took the photo with a cocked back right arm. I took lots of photos and got a crick in my neck! π
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Fantastic pictures. So beautiful.
You are such a good friend α
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The hummers and I so appreciate you! α
I’ve only seen two Ruby Red Thouat’s at mine this year. It’s my first year to put the feeder out in years. It’s coming down to the end of migration so I keep hopeing to catch them at the feeder everytiem I walk by my kithen window. Love the photos.
You will most likely get more next year if you keep your feeder up through the end of migration. Good luck! α
Fantastic pictures!
Merci beaucoup mon ami Sharon! α
Thank you very much, Cindy! Lovely photos, as always π Thank you for sharing these with us β¨ β¨ β¨
Thank you more for appreciating them my friend α
You are most welcome!
αα
β¨ β¨ β¨
We have a 2nd story apartment with a balcony. Our hummingbird feeder has attracted only one or two hummingbirds. They certainly are welcome here and I wish more would pay us a visit. We live in Georgia which is popular state for hummingbirds. Your photos are beautiful.
I would love to visit you and your hummers in Georgia! I have never been and would love to go. I have always wanted to see Savannah in particular and I cook and love Southern food! α
Savannah is a beautiful city and has true southern charm. We live northwest of Savannah, approximately 270 miles away.
Someday, when the world returns to it’s senses, I would love to visit you and Georgia α
Beautiful photos! I also learned interesting facts about these lovely birds. Thank you!
Thank you more for appreciating the hummingbirds my friend & cheers to you α
Thanks for sharing your magical creatures with us! They’re fascinating and feisty to watch.
Thank you Brad. They bring smiles everyday! α
I bet!
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What courage it must take for these tiny birdies to fly alone! Thanks, Cindy, for showing them up close and personal — I saw one just the other day but failed to get his picture!
Yes. They are tiny and fiercely courageous! I am happy you saw one α
Me, too! But I’d have loved having one eat from my hand the way you did!!
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Herrlich, Cindy
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund Ernst α
You must have magic. The bird comes and feed off from your hand like that. !!!
I don’t do it anymore because I don’t want hummers to trust all people, it could end up hurting them α
You really have a magical place: I envy you! Thanks for the wonderful pictures!
Awww, thank you more for appreciating them my friend & cheers! α
I didn’t know they migrated! I suppose that’s because they never come here. In my entire life in Canada, I have seen maybe 6 hummers.
Sweet post and wonderful shots, Cindy! Thank you!
Ahh, thank you Resa. They do go up the western coast of Canada, but not over your way, at least not yet! α
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They have so much trust and love in you to take the food from your hands! Unbelievable!!! Although, it is not surprise for me.
You are such a good friend Alexander. Thank you. α
We just put up our hummingbird feeder. Hope we attract a few this fall
as they migrate through.
Your shots are stunning!
I hope it works. Keep me posted α
Some years we have visitors….other years, not!
Interesting. I wonder why.
Me too.
α
You have some excellent photos there Cindy.
Leslie xoxo
Grazie mille Leslie α
Rufous and Anna’s live year round here in our part of the world and my heart leaps each time I see one of these lovely fairies!
Your photos are divine! X
You are a kindred spirit and thus my friend. Thank you α
Your sweet words warm my heart…
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That first shot is amazing. I have never seen a hummingbird essentially eating from someone’s hand. Very nice. π
Thank you Dani. Hummingbirds are magic on wings α
Dang! These are such fabulous photos – but then I say that all the time don’t I? *sigh* You’re just too good.
You are good! You appreciate hummingbirds. Thank you Grace α
These are some of the best hummer photos I’ve ever seen. So close. So much detail and color. Thanks for sharing with us.
Awww, thank you more for such a lovely comment & cheers to you! α
Beautiful, Cindy
Much appreciated John, thank you & cheers too! α
Cheers.
αα
I am super impressed with the feeding/picture taking friend of nature π
Awww, thank you. Here are some more then, just for you! https://cindyknoke.com/2016/07/14/trust/
Thank you!!!! β€οΈ
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β€οΈ
“Ahh…look, fairy godmother is feeding us again. Let’s tweet our friends to come quickly!” Amazing shots as always, my dear friend ΛΛββ’Ιβ’βΛΛββ’Κβ’βΛββ’Ιβ’βΛΛββ’Κβ’βΛΞΎ(ｑβΛβΛβｑ)ΞΎΛββ’Ιβ’βΛΛββ’Κβ’βΛΛββ’Ιβ’βΛΛββ’Κβ’βΛ
Laughing…..Your comments always make my <3 smile. A hummer was just here buzzing the window screen before it went to sleep! α
That’s wonderful! I don’t get to see humming birds in this part of the world.
(η¬β₯Οβ₯η¬)
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I think my favorite post, ever, Cindy. So,so beautiful!
Awww, so kind and so appreciated! Thank you Susan α
These hummingbirds are the sweetest tiniest birds on the planet! And they love you!
And I love them back which they know!! One was just buzzing my window screen. Come out and play! π α
Wow. (Understatement.)
Awww, thank you John & stay safe my friend α
Either I read somewhere, or you told me before that you live in rural California. We’re up here in Eureka. I see lots of Anna’s and Rufous around here. My dad was a wildlife biologist who worked for the Fish and Wildlife. We ended up in this area of the country when he became involved with the recovery of the Aleutian Canada Goose (subspecies of the Canada Goose.)
How fascinating! I have been to Eureka several times. It is gorgeous up in your neck of the woods and I bet your childhood was rich and memorable α
We love it. I didn’t end up here until high school, but I’ve only moved away once for a year in the past 40+ years.
When you find home, you find it α
Remarkable…!
Thank you sincerely α
Looking at these pictures i am feeling like in paradise, Cindy! Thank you for your efforts on taking such wonderful fotos, and sharing with a greater audience. Best wishes, Michael
Awww, thank you Michael for such a lovely comment. You make me happy I posted them. Cheers to you my friend α
I have to thank you Cindy, for all the very motivation and for me most time first seen impressions. Thank you, and enjoy your day. Michael
You are an honor to know Michael & you are most welcome my friend α
You have to wonder how the Rufous Hummingbirds could possibly pack on enough weight for their long journey. Impressive! And the photo of hand feeding the hummers is a delight, Cindy. βCurt
Thanks Curt. They can add up to 40% of their body weight prior to leaving, but it still is so remarkable α
Laughing, I wonder if adding 40% to my body weight would help me backpack!
Well, I read Heather’s book and listened to her TED talk. She does consume excess calories and weight before she thru hikes. I’m not sure she did this on purpose, or just eats. She seems to not like life as much off, as on the trail.
Good on her!
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/2019/02/national-geographic-2019-adventurers-of-the-year/heather-anderson-hiker/#:~:text=Heather%20Anderson%2C%20who%20goes%20by,2%2C655%20miles%20in%2060%20days.
The whole body weight issue is a challenge. That’s for sure, Cindy. It was fairly easy to deal with when I did my 10,000 mile bicycle trip around North America. It was eat whenever and whatever you wanted. Packing in calories was easy. When I did my 750 mile trip down the PCT two years ago to celebrate my 75th it was more of a challenge. I was using around 5,000 calories a day and consuming 1500, on a good day. Fortunately Peggy met me at the end of each week and I reversed the process for a couple of days. π Still, I came off the trail weighing less than I had since high school. βCurt
Yes, it sounds seriously challenging. Heather Anderson was beating thru hike speed records. She would do 50 mile days. Astounding α
Just read yesterday that a woman just completed the Oregon section in 7 days Cindy averaging 57 miles per day. Absolutely incredible. I have friends who have done the 24 hour hundred mile races. Beyond my comprehension! π βCurt
It is incredible, but it actually seems bad for their bodies.
Gorgeous Cindy. My Mexican winter vacations are the only place I get to see these little beauties. <3
Yes, they leave The Holler and head to Mexico in the winter to see you! α
Lol π x
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Cool post and.great pics Thx Cindy!
Cheers to you Gary & stay safe my friend α
Oh, my! This is so impressive. Hummingbirds are my favorite. Beautiful images.
Thank you very much & I <3 people who <3 hummingbirds! α
Me Too! π
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Amazing pictures!!
Grazie mille Yolanda! α
Beaks are like little black needles
They are lethal when necessary α
I can imagine
I know you can, because you, my friend, have the most awesome imagination and writing. I am impressed by you. α
These are incredible shots, Cindy! π₯°
Means a lot from you talented lady α
You just bursted my face into a huge smile, Cindy π You are an inspiration!
What a treat to see these happy birds. The first one takes my breath away…
Love this Hummingbird series, Cindy. π
Cool pix.
The first on reminds me a jet refueling in flight ( the aviation idea must have come from this)
But like the 3rd pix the best: the feather and feet details, the lovely neck color and the lines of bird and “J” chain so complimentary and lyrical
Wow. How coincidental. I was just discussing this, how hummingbird flight has been studied by entities like the US Air Force. Pilots and planes are outclassed by hummingbird flight. Thank you for seeing their lyrical magic α
I’m impressed you can get photos of hummingbirds where their wings are going as fast as can be.
It is a fun challenge and good practice α
I bet!
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I love seeing them drink from someone’s hand.
It is amazing! α
Wow! Truly awe-struck.
Awww, thank you Anne & cheers to you α
superb shots! hand-feeding a humming bird! pure dream come true!
Thank you Sharmishtha. Inter-species trust is beautiful indeed! α
So beautiful to see your photos and know all is well at the Holler.
Sending love your way my friend & hopes you stay safe and well α
Thank you, keep well too in this crazy world.
αα
Wonderful photos. Today, I saw a couple of hummingbirds in the garden and managed to take a few pictures, but not as gorgeous as these photos though. π But I have been waiting for them, and I was elated just watching them.
Your backyard must be so special, you get a variety of hummingbirds. What a joy.
Congratulations and hosting the hummers in your garden and getting some photos of them too! Not easy to do α
Wonderful creation π
A wonder indeed! α
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I am honored by your thoughtfulness. Thank you! α
Really gorgeous pictures! π
Honored Jeena. Thank you & cheers to you α
Be happy always ππ
I will try. You too α
Thank you. π
α α
Such beautiful photography, Cindy! β€οΈ Thanks for following my blog. π
Thank you John. I am enjoying exploring your blog. α
Thanks, Cindy!
α α
I love all the variations of reds and tans and browns on the little rufous hummer! Some of the others are more colorful, but the subtle variations on him are fascinating. Thanks for the closeups to really see these little guys.
So pleased you enjoyed Kathy and yes, the rufous coloration is gorgeous in the sunslight, all the colors glow! α
My very favorite creature. You captured the joy and wonder well and seeing these shots made me so happy. Thank you!
You being happy makes me happy. Cheers to you α
Great photos,I love hummingbirdsοΌ
Thanks & I <3 people who <3 hummingbirds α
This is so amazing Cindy. How lucky they are to have you π
Thank you Tiffany. They are a joy in our lives α
Beyond beautiful! <3
Awwww, thank you αα
You have capture the hummingbird beautifully!
Thank you so much Kappy & cheers to you α
Thank you Cindy. π
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That photo of you feeding the bird (while photographing it) is awesome! That is talent in action.
My parents had one hummingbird feeder, and the birds fought so much over it, they put up a second one. Now the hummingbirds fight over both of them. They’re beautiful, but they can be really aggressive at times, right?
Oh yes, they are highly territorial, some birds are more aggressive than others, just like humans! π
Some great photographs.
Grazie mille α
Thank you for the like, Cindy. π
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Amazing
Happy you think so! α
1200 times a minute!!! Wow. Incredible photos of these little miracles, Cindy.
They are little miracles and I am happy you enjoyed them! α
Hummingbirds are all but sacred to my wife. Thank you for these beautiful photos and I hope you and yours are well.
You obviously are smart since you picked such a wise wife. I was just looking at your site. So stunning on so many levels α