Chasing Off Others

I caught the self-proclaimed "Lord and Master of the backyard," the Costa's hummingbird named Zippy, chasing off a poor bird trying to get a good deep sip of nectar at the feeder this morning.  The other bird flew quickly out of frame but the Zipster was sure to stay close to the scene of the crime.

I love this photo for another reason.  His gorget, flaring off off his neck like the scarf of the Red Baron, is clearly visible.  In recent photos of him his throat has looked flat without any sign of this identifying marker. 

I've added some extras, too.  There are some good things about cloudy, rainy, miserable days.  You can sometimes get interesting photos.  In these shots from behind, notice his gorget flare.  Also notice his eyes.  They aren't what they seem to be most of the time.