TINY TYRANT

After the longest migration of all hummers, 3,000 miles,
The Rufous hummingbird buzzes into the Rockies around the 4th of July.

Trouble begins when a single tiny-tyrant calls our feeder home.
Following a full drink, he perches in a nearby Lodgepole Pine.
Watching.
Waiting.

La-Di-Da
An unsuspecting broad-tail sticks its bill into the feeder,
Eyes looking downward.
Vulnerable.

Attack.
An orange rocket, tail flared,
Buzzes the intruder.
Zooming ever closer, until the opponent crumbles.

The game --played throughout the day,
With the Rufous never tiring, never folding.
Surprisingly, he's a full inch shorter bill tip to tail than a broad-tail.
But, I don't think he knows this.

Our deck is his stage.
We--his audience.