Hummingbirds

                                            Ruby-throated Hummingbird

                                                                    Photo by Barry the Birder

The Ruby-throated Humm9ingbird is one of 10 species of 'hummers' to be found in the United States and lower Canada.   It is the only 'hummer seen regularly (the others stray in).

The Ruby-throated is common in summer but may be overlooked.   Look for it it in forest edges, parks and gardens.   Most winter in the tropics.

The adult male has an iridescent ruby throat, which may look black in most lights.   Its white chest contrasts with dark throat, green sides, tail all black.   Females are green above, whitish below.

Red-throateds breed from Alaaka to south Oregon and western Montana.  They winter in Mexico and occasionally in southern California.   They wander annually to Gulf Coast, from Texas east to Florida.

Tiny gem in flight,

            Drinking sweet red flower juice,

                  Gone into the blue.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder