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.
That’s My Feeder
29 Saturday Jul 2017
Posted Photography
in
bluebrightly said:
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! Chickadees squabbling too? Maybe they all do to a certain extent. However, these hummingbirds are notorious for aggressiveness.
LikeLike
bluebrightly said:
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
quietsolopursuits said:
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy said:
How beautifully captured, Hien! I know how challenging it is…
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy!
LikeLike
loisajay said:
this is so funny! Who knew?? You really do have to watch out for the little ones. Wonderful photos, Hien.
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jet Eliot said:
Wonderful action shots, Hien. Hummingbirds are tricky to capture, especially in their rabid territory encounters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person