Hummingbird Hierarchy

The backyard hummingbirds have been really humming this week. We have had to refill the feeder once a day and it holds a cup of liquid! The flowers did not do as well as we would have thought with all the rain we've had this spring, so there are fewer sources for them to feed. This first picture didn't turn out as well as I hoped it would. Maybe if you enlarge it you can see them better. It is amazing how they fight! Hummers must be the most territorial birds in existence, because all day long every day is a high-speed "dance" for eating rights. They don't seem very often willing to share the bounty, so it is constant bickering.

We have watched a hummer after he has eaten his fill sit on a branch nearby and lie in wait for another hummer who dares to attempt to infringe upon his turf. He would fly out and scare the intruder off over and over again. They are really fascinating to watch. It is rare that one will tolerate another at the same feeder. These two got along for a short while!

Jess gets so excited when the hummingbirds are at the feeder. She jumps her front feet up on the windowsill and looks up at them and just wiggles all over. She would love to get up there. Her eyes follow their darting back and forth. She looks like she is watching a tennis match! It is amazing how tiny they are and how fast their wings flutter. While I refill the feeder, they are buzzing all around my head impatiently waiting for me to leave. They sound like giant bumblebees.

Jess had her second set of puppy shots today. She was a big hit at the vet clinic. The vet had a hard time examining Jess because she is so full of energy. She was busy trying to lick/bite the vet's chin and nose. At one point the stethoscope was being gnawed upon by sharp puppy teeth. She has gained a pound and a half! The vet doesn't seem so sure that Jess is part Jack Russell, but she is not sure what mix she is. She does think that Jess is close to 12 weeks old. We made the appointment for one month from now to have her spayed, micro chipped and her next shots. She will have to stay overnight, so it will seem quiet around here for one night!

Have a great weekend!