T-R PHOTO BY GARRY BRANDENBURG Hummingbirds are one of nature’s little ‘helicopters’ due to their ability to hover in position in front of and at flowers where they feed on nectar. This Ruby-throated Hummingbird was about to enjoy a drink of sugar water at this author’s backyard feeding station. The Ruby throat weighs in at about one-eighth ounce. Its big cousin, the Trumpeter Swan (that ones can see at the Green Castle Recreation Area) can weigh up to 26 pounds.

The RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris) is the only hummingbird we are likely to see in the eastern half of the United States.  A few other straggler species occasionally show up out of their normal range, but it is the Ruby-throat that delights us with its buzzing sounds and aerobatic antics around the flower garden. For Midwesterners, the iridescent gorget (throat) will show up well if the sunlight strikes it correctly. The tail of a male hummingbird does not have white tips.  Female hummer tail feathers do have white tips.  This intensively inquisitive bird will seek out feeder stations, particularly if a red attractant color is present. This author’s feeder glass is red; however the sugar water mix inside it is just clear liquid. If I was to wear a read shirt outside and hold a feeder at arms length, I would likely become a hummer perch. I’ll have to try that sometime.