Date: 08/26/2021

Number: 6

This is our 2nd summer in North Carolina with the wonderful ruby throated hummingbirds. When we put out our first feeders last spring (2020), we had one taker, a beautiful female who decided to give us a chance. She nested in the woods behind our house and was with us all summer. It was such a delight having her and her babies. We had 3 feeders out for them. It was extra exciting when she would come to our kitchen window feeder so we could see her up close. She also loved to perch in a zelkova tree in our front yard. Later in the summer and into the fall, we had other rubies pass through during migration. We did not have a resident ruby male last summer. Our first experience with hummingbirds was such a delight that I researched them extensively and planted many of their known favorite perennials and annuals in anticipation of their return this year. We were very excited to have them share our yard again.

A male stopped and passed through on the 12th of April this year. On the 18th, we had 2 more males show up. By the next day, on the 19th, one of the males had chased the other away and made his claim on our yard, flowers, and feeders. Our daughter, who is 2, named him Sparky. He definitely made his presence known as he would perch at the very top of one of the cherry trees in our front yard and flash his ruby gorget all around. We were able to see him from all the windows in the front of our house, as well as out on our front porch. Often times, when I would be out front working, he would zip right up to me, as if to say "hi".

Not even a week later, on the 23rd, our resident female from last year returned. It was so wonderful to have her back! She even graced us with her beautiful self at our kitchen window. Our daughter named her Miss Shimmer. She must have mated with Sparky very early after arriving as she quickly got to business nesting.

I added several more feeders to the yard this year and spaced them out accordingly, having 2 in the front, 2 in the back, and one on the back kitchen window. Since then, I've added 2 more, for a total of 7. It has been an absolutely fantastic year with Sparky, Miss Shimmer, and their babies. They bring us such joy.

Towards the end of July and through much of August, there was tremendous activity, with lots of chasing and fighting. Many days, it was very intense. It was very interesting to watch Sparky's and Miss Shimmer's behavior evolved throughout the season. Sparky has changed his position in the yard several times at this point and has moved from the front yard to the back. Just recently, within the last couple of days, they have calmed down quite a bit. I even thought that Sparky had taken off on migration yesterday as I didn't see him in his usual spot all day; however, this evening, I spotted him in a new, quieter spot in the backyard, which seems uncharacteristic for him. I believe we had at least 6 rubies this year, including Sparky, Miss Shimmer, and their babies, but feel as if that number could have been a bit higher a week or so ago because it seemed like there were many more zipping around. At one point, I saw 4 or 5 at the same time.

The juvenile males are starting beginnings of their ruby throats and all the babies seem to be much more comfortable in their skin these days. It does feel like they are definitely preparing for migration, particularly Sparky and Miss Shimmer. We will miss them dearly and will anxiously await their return next Spring.

Their favorite flowers in our garden this year included different varieties of salvia, bee balm, lobelia, nasturtium, Mexican sunflower, petunia, butterfly bushes, lantana, shrimp plant, fuchsia, zinnia, calibrachoa, foxglove, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus, trumpet honeysuckle, and a few others I'm probably forgetting. My goal for next year is to plant more and make sure I try and extend the growing season from Spring through Fall.

I've become very passionate about hummingbirds and have researched them extensively, particularly, of course, the rubies, as that is what we have here in North Carolina. While I love this particular site, Journey North, and check the postings daily, I would love to know if there are any other good blogs where enthusiasts such as myself are able to interact and ask questions and such. My email address is sophie.legolvan71418@gmail.com and would welcome any suggestions, recommendations, etc. I would even be interested in joining a group who dialogue about their hummingbirds. Next year, I'll plan on contributing more to this particular site and will be taking photos of our beautiful hummers as well. I really enjoy those who post photos here on Journey North.

Kernersville, NC

Latitude: 36.1 Longitude: -80.1

Observed by: Sophie
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