For several years, two female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been fighting over the feeder I put out for them. Today was the first time I was able to capture them together, one chasing away the other from “her” feeder.
First female Ruby-throated Hummingbird arriving.
She looked into a feeding hole.
Oh, oh. She saw the other one coming.
Chased away, in a fraction of a second.
Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the “owner” of the feeder in a victory dance.
Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird enjoying her drink.
Excellent work! I can barely capture a chickadee, let alone two hummingbirds! BTW, my Chestnut-backed chickadees are squabbling like crazy at the sunflower feeder these days. I think it’s time for this year’s crop of youngsters to hit the road. They’ll just have to sort it out!
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Thank you! Chickadees squabbling too? Maybe they all do to a certain extent. However, these hummingbirds are notorious for aggressiveness.
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Yes, I know. Other times of the year, the chickadees get along fine – out here they’ll travel in loose flocks with other birds like nuthatches, just like in the east. I can’t imagine a hummingbird doing that! I’ve also found the nuthatches here are quite belligerent at times, but more in the sense of not being afraid of bigger birds or people. They have a way of just ignoring everyone and going for the food. It’s great to observe behaviors – so much more satisfying than just identifying and moving on.
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I’d suggest putting two feeders out, but it wouldn’t stop the territorial disputes between the hummers. You’re making me jealous with your excellent images of them in action!
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I did put two feeders out, but they ignored it, preferring the one in these photos. Don’t know why Maybe the newer feeder looks different.
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How beautifully captured, Hien! I know how challenging it is…
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Thank you Amy!
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this is so funny! Who knew?? You really do have to watch out for the little ones. Wonderful photos, Hien.
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These two female hummingbirds have no mercy toward each other. Or maybe it’s just the dominant one that chases the other, but I have a hard time telling who’s who.
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Wonderful action shots, Hien. Hummingbirds are tricky to capture, especially in their rabid territory encounters.
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Thank you Jet! I try every year to photograph them, failing most of the time. This year has been the first time I could get these kinds of shots.
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