Tiger Lilies

Larkspur & Hummingbird

Summertime

We are having fun listening to and watching the hummingbirds.   They are the most amazing little birds and give us much joy during the summer months.  Last week some of the babies must have fledged because all of a sudden one morning, amid immense excitement, we saw a great deal of activity at the feeders, more than we've seen for several weeks.

Larkspur (a favourite flower of the hummingbirds)

Summer Blossoms

A picture taken last August

In the Garden

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Hummingbirds darting here and there through the flowers

Where the Hummingbirds Are

Behind my house is a wild rose hedgerow. This is where the hummingbirds like to perch and scan for intruders (usually other hummingbirds). From this vantage point they can easily see and guard the three nectar-filled bottles that hang along the back wall.

The evening hour just before sunset is a particularly hectic time at the feeders and as entertaining as an airshow. The sprightly, pint-sized birds are a joy to watch. We can't help but laugh at their scolding chirps, buzzes and crazy, zigzagging chases through the thorny shrubs.

But, what amazes us most is their indomitable spirit. The hummingbirds absolutely refuse to be afraid of anything and will frequently dive straight at an offending trespasser, including one innocent human being simply trying to replenish a feeder.

All the pictures were taken at various times.

I'm not entirely sure if this is a Calliope Hummingbird or a Rufous.

Rufous Hummingbird, female

Rufous Hummingbird, male

See all the beautiful flowers at Today's Flowers. Many thanks to our kind hosts.

Pretty Blue Flowers

Perennial Flax
their slender stalks
gently waving
in the slightest puff
of wind

July

August
Larkspur
little horn of plenty
the hummingbird's flower

Pansy
with velvet petals
of the bluest hue
I choose you!

Today's Flowers Many thanks to Luiz Santilli, Denise, Laerte Pupo and Valkyrien for hosting this lovely meme.

Nature Photo of the Week

Calliope Hummingbird, Stellula calliope
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)

Little Star

"Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute,
Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and wise,
Tell me I'm perfect---But tell me the truth."
~ Shel Silverstein (1930-1999)

A Bouquet of Hummingbirds

All's well that ends well. Our freakish snowfall has melted away, and we are back into spring again. There was no damage to the plants and flowers or the hummingbirds.

Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds

An Arnica flower coming into bloom
This bright, sunny wildflower is very striking
and grows just about everywhere
in the interior of B.C.

Nature Notes

Friday -

We were invited to walk a fairly new trail on a neighbouring property and decided to go in search of it after lunch. I didn't take my camera because we weren't sure what we were getting ourselves in for. Walking sticks, yes, camera, no, dog, no. It was supposed to be somewhere "along the ridge". Ha, ha, ha! There was no trail that we could see - only a tangle of trees and bush. My husband went ahead and gradually worked his way a little further down the hill where he found a narrow (single file) path. I followed. Very, very nice, with a beautiful view of the lake AND a view of a Bald Eagle's nest. We could see a white head sticking up over the edge. Next time, I'll have my camera with me.

Back at home -

The hummingbirds were zipping around and dodging each other while I stood near the currant bushes. This one looked as though she (not sure which one) wanted to hide and perched on the nylon twine supporting a bush. I really couldn't move too much, so the picture isn't the greatest. Just look at her little feet gripping that twine!

I came across these blue flowers in between the kinnikinnick that grow along the fence by the road. I don't have a name for them, but they look a little like a violet. So tiny!