Bay Photos by Donna

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I’ve been revisiting the Hong Kong Orchid trees growing around Everglades City, taking in their beauty.

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Hong Kong Orchid tree

Hong Kong Orchid tree

Hong Kong Orchid tree

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Hong Kong Orchids

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There was another reason as well.  I was looking for the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds who also love these trees.

Although most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, including from Florida, spend their winter in Central America, those from the farthest points of North America will migrate no further than the tip of Florida.  I saw them in Everglades City last winter drinking the nectar from these orchids and perching so pretty.

And, by golly, I spotted a female my first visit this year!  😁

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female) at the top of a Hong Kong Orchid tree

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These hummingbirds are tiny at only 2.8 – 3.5 inches (7 – 9 cm) long, with a wingspan of 3.1 – 4.3 inches (8 – 11 cm).

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times a second!  That is almost imaginable, isn’t it?

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female)

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird sticking her tongue out

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I’m tickled to keep finding this female sunning on top of the same tree several times now.  There are four other orchid trees in that immediate vicinity, it is most definitely a perfect spot for hummingbirds.  Hopefully, I’ll continue to see her and others during the next couple months around all those trees.

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