
Close up wonder of a hummer’s tail. (Tap to enlarge all photos).

Hummers can hover and fly backwards.

Their tongue is longer than their body and rolls up when not in use!

They can flash their colors at will.

Hummers are joy in the garden!

The world’s smallest bird,

is quite brave,

and not afraid of humans.

Cheers to you from The Holler Hummers~
They are so gorgeous and your photos absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing these little marvels with us. 🙂
I <3 my friends who <3 hummingbirds დ
They are fantastic creatures and your photos captured some of their delights.
They are such wonderful birds. They are feeding off a feeder ring I have now. They argue over it! დ
Unfortunately, they are very possessive, regardless of how many feeders there are. Sharing is not one of their fortes.
Certain birds are more aggressive than others. I find the most problems with our small group of year round resident birds, who get highly offended when the southies arrive. By, June when we have peak numbers, 45+ birds, the aggression diminishes as there are just too many birds to fight off.
45+ birds?! I’m in awe!
It is a rather serious undertaking to keep them all fed! დ
I can imagine! You need to buy industrial size bags of sugar!
Beautiful! Do you what’s going on at the top of the beak in the 4th photo?
Yes. I think it is avian pox. This bird is doing quite well. He has had it for quite some time. So far it is not interfering with his ability to eat. They can survive the pox with scarring. It is imperative to clean feeders daily when there is a bird with pox. I run the feeders through the dishwasher on sanitize cycle and rinse them with boiling water. I use glass feeders. დ
Thank you. When I saw the photo, I researched what it could be. I found nothing. I suppose I should have re-worded my query. I sanitize mine every few days. I offer simple sugar diluted in boiled, then cooled water, as I do not appreciate the chemical and dye-loaded liquids. I refrigerate the little bit extra, offering only enough that will be consumed. The extra bit keeps a few days. I do need to make purchasing a glass feeder my priority, as I dislike the plastic, especially when heated by the summer’s heat. I will be keeping a better eye on pox possibilities. Thanks so much. I have learned I need to be better at this.
You are a very responsible person Dawn, who sincerely cares about the creatures in your care. Thank you so much for this! Hummingbirds get ill when feeders are allowed to develop mold and sit for days fermenting in hot weather. Backyard feeders have brought hummingbird populations back up to healthy numbers.
Stupid smartphone. Please insert “know” prior to “what.”
Smiling……. You remind me of me, I am the Queen of Typos.
I don’t know, I’m pretty baad, espppecially when I think I can type without some reading glassses
I relate!!!
Beauty shots Cindy!
Thanks much Wayne & cheers! დ
Sweet and amazing little creatures. Beautiful photos!
Thank you very much Michele & cheers to you დ
Cheers! 🥂
They are the birds that add the most summer delight to a garden! Unfortunately we don’t have them over here in New Zealand.
Very true. I am sorry you don’t have them, but you have incredibly beautiful, stunning, and well managed NZ! დ
wow ..they have a supersonic metabolism…I think their little hearts must beat a thousand times a minute
You are so right! 1,260 or so beats per minute. დ
wow 😳😳
Yep.
Great shots! They dart around so much, but you captured them on film. (so to speak)
Much appreciated Rebecca. Thank you & cheers! დ
I’m not a bird watcher, but I enjoy your photos of them and your passion too.
Ahhh….. So thoughtful & so appreciated David. Thank you დ
Great photos, Cindy!
I’m always happy to see hummers. There are more of them around here in Victoria BC than decades ago. Mostly Anna’s at my place (year round), but Rufous are found in other spots in summer.
I’ve seen hummers in Canada. These little buzzers get around!!! დ
They’re very special birds, and so are your photos of them.
I am touched by your thoughtful comment. დ
These birds are amazing – how magical to have them visiting in your garden. Your photographs of them are so beautiful too.
Thank you Anne. We have them in our central courtyard too, so they are really part of the familyდ
I love those little things. They can be loud when they are close to you. I’ve had a couple of them scare the crap out of me…tiny helicopters.
When they do that super loud and super rhythmic buzzing while darting back and forth at warp speed, it certainly gets your attention. I have had them buzz up directly to my eye and hover there many times looking at me. დ
That is exactly what they did to me. I heard this loud noise and they would drop down, right at my face, as if to say “hello.” It is an exciting visit.
Yes. It is so totally amazing. It is as if they may be thinking, “We are clearly more skillful than you because we can fly away from anything in an instant, and you can’t even fly, but we find you interesting.” It is such a honor. Plus, they get so close to my eyes, and I know they will never hurt me.
🤗😍
One of my favorite pastimes is hanging with hummers.
This why we get along! დ
These birds move so fast, how did you capture them so beautifully and in such detail, Cindy?
That’s my question, too! These shots are just incredible.
Ahhh….. I am honored. Thank you both very much. It does take a bit of patience and practice. I sit with them, and get into their rhythms. When we are in synch, the photos come დ
You’re welcome, Cindy! Getting those shots isn’t just a matter of technique, then. There’s an art to it.
I honestly don’t know. I do know I have always loved birds.
🙂
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Oh fabulous. Could you persuade one or two to relocate to England: specifically North Yorkshire?
Hmmmmm……… It would have to be a trade, maybe for a nightingale or three! 😉
We no longer have many to spare 🙁
Yes. I understand. Not a fair trade. Wild birds belong where they are. It’s up to people to protect them.
Quite! We’ll have to manage without hummingbirds. We have your photos ….
They are the most incredible birds! Thanks for the great pictures. xo
Thank you more for appreciating them Darlene დ
Having recently learned just how small these creatures are makes these images all the more amazing
Thank you so much Derrick. They are so incredibly tiny. I can’t get over the fact that they fly back and forth across The Gulf of Mexico every year დ
Dammit. I forgot I am anonymous to you – Derrick
A rose by any other name will always be Derrick!
Wonderful bird and gorgous fotos.
Merci beaucoup mon Ami Marie! დ
They are glorious creatures, flashing colors, smooth to watch and as you said, very brave. And great pictures dear lady, to put them on show perfectly. Thank you for sharing 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Thank you Mark for such very thoughtful appreciation & cheers to you დ
Lovely and astonishing little flying diamonds. <3
Have a fine weekend, and stay safe, dear Cindy!
Visa versa 2UX2 dear friend დ
Wow the hummingbird tail feathers photo is soooo kewl! I put a feeder out I sure hope hummingbirds find it! I am going to try getting plants on my deck to attract them too!
Oh, you are going to have a lovely summer! დ
Love the collection. Good job getting the hummer to keep its tongue out for the picture!
Creatures are always sticking their tongues at me! დ
Great pictures, Cindy! Unfortunately we don’t have hummers in the wild in my country. (We do have sparrows, but…. well…. 🙂 ) They are wonderful creatures.
Thankfully, since there are about 11,000 species of birds in the world, it ensures that every place in the world has some fascinating birds. One of my great joys in travel is seeing all the new and amazing birds. დ
Beautifully done for the very close-up. The shot from under the cutie is awesome!
Thanks so much & cheers! დ
Did you get anew camera? this is very close!
No. This is my trusty Sony bird camera. They aren’t making this camera anymore which is sad for me. I love it დ
I have an awesome expensive camera and still go for my phone! Of course I’m not traveling ro I take it but in the backyard the phone is so easy.
It is not the camera actually, it is the person behind it that matters დ
I’m starting to think so
I have seen incredible iphone photos.
Amazing photos of the amazing Trochilidae family!! 🙂
❤️carmen
Much appreciated Carmen. Thank you! დ
Awesome pictures! I did not realize the hummingbird’s tongue was sooo long. The picture of the tail was interesting, too. It looks like a fan. Great post!
Thank you Betty & I am happy you enjoyed დ
Fanfare indeed! Hummers are fun and fascinating to watch. You forgot the aggressive part! 🙂
Feisty fliers!!! 😉
😋
They are gorgeous! I’ve always thought Humming Birds were very special and fascinating to watch.
Your thinking is completely accurate Kymber დ
Our hummers have just returned. Looking forward to another season of their antics and beauty.
They are teaspoon beauties packed with personality! Enjoy დ
To capture a hummingbird on a feeder is easy, but to capture it in flight is a great challenge. Great shots, Cindy!
Thank you very much Peter დ
WOW. Quite the beauties!
Aren’t they amazing creatures! დ
How I love the Holler Hummers! Celebrate!!
They are mini-flying-celebrations on wings! Cheers to you Sheila დ
Utterly delightful to see the Holler Hummers, Cindy, so close-up and magical.
So very happy you enjoyed my friend & cheers! დ
Great shots! Not easy to capture!!
He has made such a wide variety of intruding beauty snd wonder for us to enjoy!!
Happy Weekend!
💛
Yes, they are fascinating and beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend too my friend დ
*intriguing 🤦♀️
დდ
Small birds are fragile beings. Yet they survive long after their death. Art is a miracle.
Have you seen the Nazca Lines in Peru? They have ancient giant hummingbirds carved into the rock, visible only from high up on the mountains დ
Somehow, the past always looms larger. There were giants hummingbirds.
And the amazing thing is, these historically tiniest birds in the world, are still tiny giants today. Thank you for understanding Micheline დ
I just saw our FOS hummingbird today but not as close-up and personal, so your photos are wonderful addition to my viewing pleasure! 💙💜🤎
I am so glad the hummers bring you pleasure Teresa. They do the same for me დ
Wow! Longer than their body, amazing!!
And they are hollow straws, enabling them to suck nectar from deep in flowers დ
Even more incredible …. Wow. I never knew!
Fascinating that they weigh like only 2-3 grams and move so quickly.
And migrate thousands of miles annually. They are incredible little buzzers დ
Amazing…
Pingback: Fanfare~ — (Hummers from the fabulous Cindy…each photo a marvel) | Rethinking Life
I have the most awesome blogging friends, like you kind Gigi. Thank you & take good care დ
Excellent photos! Great close up and amazing detail! These are such beautiful and precious birds.
Thanks so much! They are such incredible creatures. Cheers to you დ
Such an exquisite bird!
They are precious flying jewels დ
Yes. Flying miracles დ
Microperfection!
Yes! Wonderful gifts in small packages დ
We have a nest on our back patio. She’s had several rounds of babies. So cool. 🙂
How wonderful!! They will have rounds of babies if there is plenty of food available. Lucky you დ
Beautiful hummers, Cindy! I always miss “mine” from Sacramento. Don’t see many here yet, but people tell me they are around. Once our trees grow and our cold weather warms more, I hope to attract some back! They are indeed very brave!
I hope you are successful! I think you might be, after all they have hummers in Alaska! დ
Cindy, it’s always a joy and a treat to see your gorgeous pics of the Holler Hummers. ❦
They consider you a personal friend Resa, as do I! დ
YAY!!!!!
დდ
Hummers in 16 days, if not sooner.
The countdown commences…….. დ
FYI: WP disappeared some of your likes. Or, the *like* has become non-functional. They’re back to their old tricks.
Honestly. Sadly. I suspect I know why they do this .
Wonderful captures, Cindy. They are certainly a delightful genus!
Thank you very much Eliza დ
Amazing closeups, Cindy! I enjoy watching the two hummingbirds that have taken up residence in our garden.
I am so very glad they are there with you დ
Some fantastic shots. Such insight into these little creatures too.
Love to you & thank you დ
Beautiful humming birds , Cindy! I might a month when they appear here . Great images !!
I am so glad they will appear in your space. They are magical messengers დ
All are breathtaking, Cindy!
Thank you very much Susan დ
Wow! Amazing photos! So beautiful! ❤
Thank you very much Jackie დ
iridescent delight
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Flying iridescent delight! Love your descriptor დ
👌🤗
Wow!! I can’t wait to show these photos to the children at school. We just read a book about a ruby-throated hummingbird and its annual migration to Mexico. Thank you, Cindy.
It makes me very happy that you will share the hummers with the children in your class Jennie დ
The pleasure is mine.
დდ
Wait, what? I had no idea! For years I have had the company and pleasure of hummingbird families each spring, making their home on my patio, arriving early for a little urban renewal and nest work, and departing after the last chick leaves the nest. I have observed them for hours and had no idea they could flash their colors at will! They tap on my window while I work and I see small bits of mostly turquoise and pink areas. So fascinating to know they can do this! Thanks!
Yes. It is quite amazing isn’t it! They can light themselves up. That is so wonderful that they tap on your window. Hummingbirds seem to like us. Maybe they know we love them! დ
They do tap and then hover as we are only a foot apart and I always wonder what they are saying. After the chicks hatch, I can sit quite close and observe as they are fed. They don’t mind at all. It’s sort of sad when the both chicks leave the nest, but I know they will be back next year. Thanks for the fun 🙂
What a truly exceptional thing to experience!
So tiny … so beautiful. Thanks, Cindy, for showing them to us close up!
You are most welcome Debbie & I am happy you like them! დ
What do you mean they could flash their Colors at Will? Do they have the ability to change colors like octopi? That tongue fact was cool, in a kind of gross way.
Yes they do. Males flash during mating and to repel aggressors. Check this out:
https://www.thedodo.com/hummingbird-changes-colors-1275903628.html
Beautiful photos Cindy of a tiny bird I would love to see. Such a blessing to have them call on you.
If you ever make it over this way, I would be most happy to introduce you! დ
Beautiful captures Cindy and great information. I love their daily visits! 💖 One actually flew in a cage the other day which was delightful!
They have flown in one door of our house, across to another door to the indoor courtyard! Part of the family!! დ
Oh this is so sweet Cindy! What a touching family story! 💖💖
A splendid collection of hummer portraits!
Alison
Thank you Alison! დ
I was up close to one the other day when he was drinking water from the birdbath, and he looked just like this one. Delightful!
It is a wonderful experience to be up close and personal with these amazing creatures დ
Beautiful 📷💫💖
Thank you! დ
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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They are so lovely – thanks!
So happy you like them & cheers to you June დ
Amazing!
Grazie mille დ
Fascinating facts about the sweet hummingbirds, and so beautiful <3
So happy you enjoyed them & cheers to you დ
Cindy you exceeded all expectations! There are no words to appreciate these photos!
Ahhhh…… I am honored Alexander. Thank you very much my friend & take good care დ
Cindy, these photographs are stunning! Thank you!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy these beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
I am so grateful for thoughtful friends like you Charles and so are all the creatures great & small. Take good care my friend and thank you დ
I love the iridescent colors of hummingbirds! You’re right; they can be quite the little fighters!
You gotta root for the little guy, right!!! 😉
The other day we saw a hummingbird in our back yard, up close and personal. And yet your photos are more impressive than what we saw with our own eyes. You have a unique way of capturing life, thank you for sharing it (and all the interesting information about hummingbirds, too!).
Oh, your very kind comment touches my heart. Thank you very much დ
Wonderful. My wife is quite excited at the idea of a (few) birdfeeder(s). She’s working on it. 😉
Thanks for the tip.
Oh, I am happy for her! And for the birdies დ
I’ll let you know when the feeders are up.
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Wonderful photos, Cindy!
Thank you very much & cheers to you დ
Stunning images of these special and beautiful birds
Thank you Amy & cheers to you my friend დ
Absolutely marvelous detailed close up shots of these little gems!
Thank you very much. I was just admiring your amazing photos დ
Lovely!
Thank you Linda & cheers დ
Such beautiful pictures!!
Thank you very much! დ
Such delicate and beautiful birds. Your photos are stunning Cindy. 😍
Your kind thoughts are most appreciated Sue. Thank you დ