Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Anna's Hummingbird

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
November 30, 2014

 After just putting out the feeder the day before, imagine how excited I was to have visitors for Thanksgiving. Anna's Hummingbirds don't migrate. In fact, it is the only hummer that stays in the West for the winter. Being one of the most common hummingbirds here, they are quite spectacular and anything but common with their iridescent emerald feathers and sparkling rosy-pink throats.
According to allaboutbirds.com they are no larger than a ping-pong ball and no heavier than a nickel.  
 The iridescent throat of the male is called a gorget. The Anna's gorget extends over its head making it more of a balaclava (o.k., I had to look that one up...its a fancy name for a ski mask...) than a bib.














All hummingbirds have tiny legs and can not hop or walk. They can scoot sideways when perched.


Anna's Hummingbirds
 enjoy nectar from many flowering plants. They also feast on a wide array of insects...smaller ones like whiteflies and leaf hoppers.
In the 1930s, Anna's Hummingbirds were only found in California and Baja California...but thanks to widespread feeders and introduced trees such as eucalyptus, they can be found all the way to Vancouver, Canada.




So who was Anna? She was Princess Anna de Belle Massena (1802-1887).

Joe and I have enjoyed sitting on the patio and watching these amazing and beautiful birds. Today there were 3 of them sitting in the lemon tree beside us. We can always hear them before we see them.

So until next time, take care and...



happy trails!

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21 comments:

  1. Steve and JoanDecember 2, 2014 at 8:21 PM

    Great pictures! Do your hummingbirds fight over the feeder? We have one male guarding ours and he only lets one female drink from it.

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 3, 2014 at 7:00 AM

      That is so funny Joan! They do zoom in and out...we have had 3 at the feeder a time or two.

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  2. Wanderin'December 2, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    Oh my! I am just amazed at the fantastic pictures you have of those hummingbirds!

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 3, 2014 at 7:01 AM

      Thank you Jeri....I could sit and watch them for hours!

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  3. Al BossenceDecember 2, 2014 at 8:54 PM

    You have some great Hummingbird photos there. Good stuff you guys:))

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 3, 2014 at 7:03 AM

      Thank you Al...it's a fun challenge to photograph them!

      Delete
  4. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)December 2, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    Beautiful birds! I really enjoy watching them, even John enjoys watching their quick movements.

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 3, 2014 at 7:04 AM

      It's fun and cheap entertainment isn't it Pam?

      Delete
  5. AsTimeGoesByeDecember 3, 2014 at 5:56 AM

    We also enjoy feeding & watching Hummingbirds. When we're in one spot long enough, we've noticed some of the birds have very distinct personalities.

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 3, 2014 at 7:06 AM

      You are so right Gayle. I don't think the Anna's Hummingbirds are as aggressive as the Ruby Throated or others we have seen. We have seen several Anna's perched in the tree together and at the feeder.

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  6. our awesome travelsDecember 3, 2014 at 7:35 AM

    Love your pictures today, amazing!

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  7. Metamorphosis LisaDecember 3, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Lovely!

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  8. Travels with EmmaDecember 3, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    Hummers are always a challenge. You done good! :)

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  9. JODecember 3, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    great shots. Love sitting on my porch watching them come to the feeders we do have on bully as usual

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 4, 2014 at 6:07 AM

      Thanks JO. Isn't that just the way it always is? And what about this rain today? I'm sure the desert will be loving it!

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  10. Sheila at WolfSongBlog.ComDecember 4, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    Gay, what a great blog on this hummer! Your photos are beautiful! What a joy to get to just sit and watch these amazing, tiny creatures. Enjoy! Happy Trails!

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 4, 2014 at 7:14 PM

      Hi Sheila, thank you so much! Hope all is going great in sunny Florida.....

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  11. AnonymousDecember 15, 2014 at 9:50 PM

    Gay, your bird shots are just wonderful! What a treat to watch and capture their habits. But I do say I have touched a hummingbird when we were at a bird banding in Gulf Shores last April.

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