Every year in the early summer a pair of hummingbird couples can be found hovering outside one of our kitchen windows.  We own a small collection of basic hummingbird feeders, so that we can switch them out when one needs cleaning.  These tiny miracles of God’s great and grand creation are wonderful to watch.  They are such funny little creatures – particularly when they get territorial about the feeder.  When I’m outside I hear them zooming about – even if I can’t always hear them.

Of the wide variety of hummingbirds that migrate across North America, ours are the classic Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.  The males are unmistakable because of the red patch on their throats.

We weren’t sure if there were hummers in the neighbourhood, but we just bought a feeder, filled it up and put it out, within a matter of a week, we had visitdors.  I knew they were back when I saw one buzzing at the feeder, even though I hadn’t yet restocked it for the summer.   Because they are so fast, hummingbirds are hard to hunt down for nature study, with a feeder you’ve got it made, just sit your children at the window with a sketch pad and pencil, and you’re ready to go!