It’s two-handed. Two palmed. Too freakin’ interesting not to do something with. Our friend Pandy sent this picture.
I’ve always found that it’s hard to get hummingbirds to hold still. They’re not famous for attention spans. Okay, this shot is full of cuteness, and cuteness isn’t what we’re all about here.
But still, we’ve gotta admit it’s cool. Especially because the red in that Ruby-throated male is living up to its name. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds I’ve seen have darker throats. You know they’re red, but it’s a matter of how light hits.
West of the Rockies hummingbirds are common. I had an outdoor dinner with an L.A. business associate once, and various hummingbirds darted with a whistling sound all through the meal. After a while we got used to these little space alien birds.
But in our part of the country they’re more of a novelty. So, this picture could not be denied. Two hands, three hummers, a two-fisted nod of approval.
Yesterday I was watering the plants on our balcony…an unusual type of geranium and some trailing vines. As I stood there, appreciating the “glory of the flowers,” a green and blue hummingbird came right up to the geranium and began sipping as I watered. It seemed unfazed by my presence, in fact, its sweet eyes seemed to be gazing into mine. I froze, honestly awe struck, feeling a bit like I was standing inside a rainbow. I made a small moan, hoping to attract my husband (a mathematician) who was working about 10 ft. from me…what was I thinking? The bird lingered a few seconds more, then departed. I felt bathed in happiness and warmth, wish I’d had a camera, but so grateful that had happened. Interesting, that something so small and mundane could illicit such a response.
How did they do that?
I wonder how the person managed to get them to do that. Sugar water cupped in hand …or what?