I rarely sit down in my own garden to relax. Neither do the resident hummingbirds. Their constant movement makes it virtually impossible to catch a good photo of one. However, as I was chatting with a friend on the phone, I glanced out my office window and noticed a hummingbird, just sitting on a branch of Leucadendron 'Pisa' and preening. She came back to the same place shortly after I finished my call. I had time to attach a telephoto lends to my camera and click several shots before she took off to chase a rival who dared to set down on another branch a few feet away.
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| I'm assuming the hummingbird is a female but it's possible it's an immature male. Based on the presence of some rusty-colored feathers and the lack of any touches of pink feathers around the throat, I'm guessing it's an Allen's hummingbird. Both Allen's and Anna's hummingbirds have a year-round presence here. |
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| Preening in process |
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| Her coloring blended well with the Leucadendron's silvery-green foliage. The tall shrub's cones are almost the same size as the bird. |
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| Even when resting, these birds are constantly alert to their surroundings |
Maybe I need to follow the hummingbird's example and take the time to sit awhile myself and simply observe my surroundings. Preening optional.
For more Wednesday Vignettes, visit Anna at Flutter & Hum. FYI, Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day falls on Sunday this month. At present, my plan is to publish that post on Saturday, August 14th.
All material © 2012-2021 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party