Endgame Viable

I have hummingbirds now.

Some time ago, I walked into the kitchen and saw, to my surprise, a hummingbird flitting around outside the kitchen windows. It was hovering at the glass, seemingly peering inside, like it was casing the joint, looking for something. It went back and forth between two windows before flying away.

It’s not the first time I’ve seen a hummingbird around the house during summer. I’ve seen one or two every summer for years, always just a brief showing before disappearing. This was the first time I ever saw one sending a clear message: “Hey, you in there, give us food!”

I’d always meant to setup a feeder for them, but this year I finally did.

I ordered two glass hummingbird feeders, put some sugar water in them, and hung them on a shepherd’s crook hanger outside the window.

Within an hour, the hummingbirds had found it.

Now I see them buzzing around out there every day. Sometimes they get a drink and leave. Sometimes they land on top of the hanger and park there for a while, looking back and forth, like they’re guarding their territory.

I don’t know much about bird identification but basic search skills tell me they are classic Virginia ruby-throated hummingbirds. However, the ones I’m seeing don’t have a ruby throat, so I assume they’re females, or smaller young ones with muted colors.

Apparently they’ll be heading south in a month or so. But it’s been fun for now.