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Anna’s Hummingbirds at the Feeders

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Female photos by Larry Jordan

Anna’s Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) have been mobbing my feeders in increasing numbers over the last couple of weeks. I’m sure that some of the increase is due to more hummingbirds coming into the area to breed but some is due to the newly fledged juveniles from the first nesting back in February (click on ph0tos for full sized images).

This is what the female looks like form the back, flying into the feeding station.

As she gets closer to the feeder she will sometimes hover, waiting for an opening.

The male Anna’s Hummingbird will often perch on a nearby branch or at the top of a tree and guard “his feeder.”

Here this male is ready to dive back into the fray at the feeders.

These tiny “jewels of the sky” are so interesting to watch, I thought the best way to show their interactions was with a video.

The video begins with a male at the feeder followed by the female Anna’s Hummingbird perched in a nearby tree. The remainder depicts the typical behavior of the hummingbirds vying for a spot at the feeders.

For more great bird photos from around the world, check out World Bird Wednesday and come join the fun!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • TexWisGirl April 10, 2012, 7:44 am

    so beautiful. still waiting for our ruby-throats to return here in Texas.

  • fjällripan April 10, 2012, 11:10 am

    Wonderful photos!! What a amazing looking bird! I would really love to see one in real…

  • HansHB April 10, 2012, 12:16 pm

    Great shots! This is something I hope to see!
    Happy WBW to you!

  • Andrew April 10, 2012, 12:29 pm

    I have made these comments on so many posts… I would so love to see one of these lovely little birds in the wild…. nothing like them in the UK.
    Wonderful images.

  • Carletta April 10, 2012, 12:43 pm

    An excellent post Larry! Beautiful photos!
    The hummingbirds haven’t arrived here yet. I usually only have one or two but they are a treat to watch. Mine are the ruby throated ones.
    The male Anna has vibrant lovely coloring that I’d love to see someday.

  • Boom & Gary April 10, 2012, 12:55 pm

    Great post!! Still too early for ours. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

  • Mia McPherson April 10, 2012, 1:36 pm

    These are wonderful Larry!

  • Poetic Shutterbug April 10, 2012, 2:01 pm

    There is nothing quite as special as watching hummingbirds. Your video is a treasure and I love the gorgeous photos.

  • eileen April 10, 2012, 2:36 pm

    Larry, beautiful hummers, I love the their colors. And I love the cute header photo too. Great post and photos.

  • Mick April 10, 2012, 8:46 pm

    I like the name “jewels of the sky” – they are beautiful little birds. Great photos.

  • Mary Howell Cromer April 11, 2012, 4:31 am

    Oh Larry, these are so beautiful! I love hummingbirds, have never seen an Anna’s, but so looking forward to having the Ruby Throated to return. You have made a beautiful series entry~

  • springman April 11, 2012, 4:45 am

    That is insane! I have never seen anything like this before. No wonder they call a group of hummingbirds a charm, this is certainly a charming sight. Fantastic post Larry and gorgeous photos!

  • joo April 11, 2012, 8:27 am

    They are fabulous – little gems!

  • Wanda April 11, 2012, 4:40 pm

    Love the video Larry! I am still waiting for the return of the Ruby-throated to TN., I am hoping they will start showing up by the end of April or early May.

    I notice you keep the feeders close together, does that help prevent territorial fighting over them? I always have at least one male that tries to claim all the feeders, so I place them is several different areas of the yard which seems to wear him out sooner so the others have a chance to feed.

  • Ken Schneider April 12, 2012, 12:38 pm

    I really miss all those hummers we had in New Mexico. Down here in South Florida they just pass through in small numbers. Very nice portraits and narrative.