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Friday 24 June 2016

Hummmm...

I was not familiar with hummingbirds in Newfoundland. While there are also hummingbirds on Prince Edward Island, I did not see any of the humming creatures until we went to Island Preserve Company in New Glasgow, PEI, last week.

Our table overlooked the garden and the Clyde River, while outside the window was a hummingbird feeder. 

 

I had my camera and hoped to get some pictures of the garden before we left there. However, I was lucky enough to get some shots of a tiny red-throated hummingbird. 

 

Because the photos were taken through the glass, they are not sharp images, but I was thrilled to photograph the little creature anyway.

Through the window, the red of the throat was only visible when the bird moved a particular way. 

 

One photo shows the tongue protruding from the end of the beak. 

 

The fluorescence of the feathers was barely visible but the emerald green was beautiful.

 

This brief, but interesting video shows how the hummingbird's tongue works. 


While I have always enjoyed my visits to Island Preserve Company, this one was extra special.




31 comments:

Shammickite said...

I see a lot of hummingbirds from May onwards, but have had to take my hummingbird feeder down due to the blasted treerats, er, I mean cute little squirrels, becoming addicted to the sugar water and holding the feeder upside down to get at the sweet stuff. My neighbour has taken hers down too, so the poor hummingbirds will have to find their food somewhere else.... until the squirrels behave.

ADRIAN said...

Good you saw them or it. Try manual focus and clean the window and if you hold the lens hood to the glass the images should be crystal clearish.

DJan said...

Wonderful shots of an elusive and very tiny little bird! Well done. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Yes, aren't hummingbirds magnificent? I'll always remember the first time I ever saw one in real life -- in Saskatchewan when I was in my early 30s. They enthrall me.

Joni said...

Wonderful photos! Hummingbirds are frequent visitors here but I have never managed to get a photo of one. I love the view from the window!

Karen said...

How nice! Actually there are hummingbirds in Newfoundland. They are plentiful on the west coast (Codroy Valley area) and one or two show up every year on the east coast. I follow a local birdwatching group and it's big news whenever a hummingbird is spotted on the east coast of the island.

Anvilcloud said...

You did a fine job. These are such marvellous little creatures.

Mage said...

We have an enthusiastic bunch here that are really territorial.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks for the info, Karen. I had never seen any and I couldn't find any reference to them on-line. I didn't look carefully enough. I made a correction.

Barbara said...

I have never seen a picture of a hummingbird with his tongue out. Very interesting.

Marie Smith said...

Those tree rats love everything, don't they?

Marie Smith said...

Being in the restaurant, it was impossible to do any better. I was really lucky to see it though.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you. He was very hungry that day and stay around for some time.

Marie Smith said...

Me too. They are special creatures!

Marie Smith said...

It is a lovely area. I was so lucky to get any photos.

Marie Smith said...

They are incredible. I was lucky to be there at that time. Thank you.

Marie Smith said...

Lucky that you have a number of them.

Marie Smith said...

It was a lucky photo!

Elephant's Child said...

Oh my. Oh my, oh my.
That would have made my day. Week even.
Megathanks.

Marie Smith said...

It was a highlight for me too!

Anonymous said...

you hd a nice vantage point. Love these shots.

Tomoko said...

You captured a small hummingbird well. I have not seen hummingbird in person, and heard the bird is much smaller than sparrows.

Anonymous said...

yeah they are a lot like Snakes in the Grass...

Marie Smith said...

They are tiny, Tomoko. You can't see it from the pictures really.

Marie Smith said...

We had a great location. We were the only ones who could see it.

baili said...

i think i see them here in summers ,you took really smart pics dear loved them

Marie Smith said...

Thank you. They are wonderful little birds.

Down by the sea said...

Those are wonderful pictures it must be such a treat to observe them closely. Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

It really was a unique experience, especially in a restaurant.

Marie Smith said...

It was so exciting!

The Furry Gnome said...

Fabulous Hummingbird shots!