Early yesterday morning, I had a handsome male Ruby-throated Hummingbird in my viewfinder. Suddenly, another hummingbird flew in, putting him on high alert.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird in early morning, Sebastian County, ArkansasMale Ruby-throated Hummingbird in early morning – Canon R7, f8, 1/250, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

This male became defensive and even called to the other hummingbird while fluttering his tiny wings. He chases practically every other hummingbird away from “his” feeder. Off and on, he allows a female or immature hummingbird to feed on the sugar water.

It has been so much fun for me to see, hear, and photograph the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds here in Arkansas.

My mother loved this species of hummingbird, and if she were still alive, she’d ask for a print of this one. I know that for certain. She’d also use the image for her laptop wallpaper. Mom did that whenever I shared photos on my website that she liked!

It was a yearly tradition for me to receive a phone call from my mom, where she’d simply say, “They are back,” when the hummingbirds returned to her feeders in Virginia. I missed that this spring. A lot.

Now, when I see or hear Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, I always think of her and the joy they brought her every year. We missed out on seeing them when I was a child and we were living in Germany, so Mom made up for that by enjoying them twice as much in her later years.

When I lived in Florida, I didn’t have a feeder, but I did photograph them a few times at feeders at Fort De Soto County Park near the mulberry trees. I don’t know if they still have feeders there now.

I’m hoping to get some photos of the female and hatch-year Ruby-throated Hummingbirds before they migrate from this area. Wish me luck!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.