Wild Bird Wednesday

http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second) that they make a humming noise. Hummingbirds can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. They have a specialized long and tapered bill that is used to obtain nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers. The hummingbird’s feet are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.  For more information on hummingbirds go to :

http://www.defenders.org/

My bird subject is a little juvenile Ruby Throated Hummingbird who decided to sit on a bush next to me while I was sitting on my deck.  My hummingbirds are not tame.  I love the idea of holding a hummingbird, but I don't want to disrupt their fear instinct that is often what saves them from injury or worse.  It is my personal rule not to befriend any of the birds or critters who come to my feeder, but to enjoy watching them and their natural behaviors.  Of course, I will cross that line if they are injured and need help.  We have a wonderful rehab facility close by and I have taken many birds to them for care.  I now have a Mallard juvenile who comes to my feeder on occasion that can't fly.  I don't know why.  There is no obvious injury, but I have not attempted to catch him.  When winter comes, however, I will have to try because he will not survive when the lakes freeze.

It looks like it is a little male ... note the spots on his throat that will soon reflect bright red like his dad ...

Dad