Humming...

First of all, thanks for all the well-wishes! I awoke feeling semi-human today and have continued to feel better as the day progresses. It didn't hurt that the day was a balmy 77 with low humidity and a nice breeze...a perfect early fall day! And, to cap it off, butterflies and hummingbirds in the garden. There are at least two hummers today - I've seen them fighting over the feeders. They come for long drinks then disappear for a while, probably seeking out bugs and other proteins.

I find myself silently cheering them on as they feed - mentally encouraging them to pile on the calories for the long journey ahead. Hummingbirds don't migrate in flocks like the warblers, ducks, shorebirds, geese and songbirds - they take off individually and head south, guided only by some mysterious internal compass. Some of them don't make it, and those that do may not survive the return migration in the spring. But enough make the journey to ensure a healthy species. And in all likelihood, some of this year's juveniles will return to this exact location again next year. Ornithologists have discovered that hummingbirds will often return to a specific location where they've successfully nested and fed the previous summer, even returning to the exact location of a feeder. Interesting, isn't it?

Will this be my last hummingbird blip of the season? I don't know - that depends on the hummingbirds... But I hope that I'll get at least a few more hummer blips before the last of them are gone.

Six other shots from today posted starting HERE on Flickr, including a juvenile chestnut-sided warbler!

Speaking of migrants, my parents have shut down their condo for the winter and are officially "on the road". They spend the fall/winter in their huge motor home, usually in the southwest US. They'll spend the next month or so in transit, stopping wherever there are geo-caches and good weather and lingering for however long they feel inspired. A bit more casual than the avian migrations, and a good deal safer and more fun, too! Safe travels, Mom and Dad - love you!

xxoo
Debbi