Female Rufous Hummingbird
Many times, we capture wildlife moments that we will never forget. This is one of my moments.
When a heavy downpour of rain stopped couple weeks ago and the skies quickly lightened, I had stepped outside on the balcony to check on Osprey teens Bonita & Brad, who were obviously soaked. I started taking a few photos.
Suddenly, hovering directly in front of me just 2-3 feet away, appeared a female Rufous Hummingbird. I lowered my camera and just stood there looking at her, utterly amazed. She kept her hover while she cocked her head side to side, staring right back at me inquisitively.
No lie, I spoke to her, saying, “Well, hello there.”
A few more seconds and she took off to my right, landing on the tree alongside my balcony. The tree was still glistening with rain drops.
Rufous Hummingbird (female)
Wet from the rains as well, she did some shakes and began scratching her upper chest/lower neck. Beautiful black and white feather patterns developed there.
Scratchin’ an itch…..
Scratchin’ an itch…..
Scratchin’ an itch…..
Scratchin’ an itch…..
Before shooting off to her next destination, the female Rufous Hummingbird and I had a final moment, with her fluffing up pretty for me.
“Looking Pretty, Girl!”
I’ve not had the pleasure of enjoying hummingbirds much personally, so oh yes, I am going to always remember this hummingbird moment!
Interesting fact:
The Rufous Hummingbird has the longest migration route of all North American hummingbirds, flying 2,000 miles during their migratory transits. (courtesy allaboutbirds.org)
