A Fine Day at the Arboretum

Today's local adventure was a few hours well spent at the UCSC Arboretum, a world-class garden that's just a skip and a jump up the hill from our house, but one of those places that's somehow off our radar for great stretches of time. Specializing in plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as California natives, the Arboretum is a great place to wander. Not only were a gazillion plants in bloom, but the hummingbirds were out in full force, diving and ticking and buzzing. I think the bird in the photo is an Allen's hummingbird. At certain angles it looked as if it were made of polished brass. We had such a delightful time that we ended up joining, and are now card-carrying Arboretum supporters.

I've included another hummer in extras. I don't know what kind it is.Maybe Anna's.  I'm terrible at bird identification.