Hummingbird Air Combat

Every year in late summer there are aerial battles going on in our backyard. Before they head south for the winter hummingbirds like to gourge themselves on syrup and nectar. Our syrup feeder is therefore more popular than ever. When one hummigbird approaches it carefully checks out its surroundings and then sits down on the perch to drink. Its caution is warranted, because soon another hummingbird - usually a male - arrives and drives the first one away from the feeder. Other times, the first hummingbird perches on a tree branch and waits for another hummingbird to land on the feeder. Then it takes off and chases the second bird around our yard. As if there isn't enough syrup for everybody! This goes on until it is dark, and it's much more entertaining than anything that is on TV.

An Amazing Hummingbird

While we were out on the wetland trail at Raccoon Creek State Park we were able to see a hummingbird up close and personal. It drank eagerly from a swamp thistle, oblivious to our close presence. Its wings rotated at such a speed that we were unable to see them. Even though I could have touched it, the hummingbird did not see us for quite a while. At one point it was almost right above me and I had to crane my neck to observe it. At last it stopped its motion for a moment, apparently noticing our presence. It flew off, leaving us behind as we marveled at the closest encounter with a hummingbird we had ever witnessed. Unless one lands on our hands we will probably never see another bird this close to us.