I had seen a hummingbird in the garden a couple of weeks ago. Although I thought it a bit early, I decided to go ahead and put my feeders out. This weekend I have been entertained by at least three hummingbirds zooming around the garden, performing an aerial ballet that wears me out just to watch them.
I've only been able to snap a couple of photos, but I thought I'd share them anyway.
Our pine tree was the perfect place for them to sit and watch guard over the feeders to make sure no other hummingbirds came close. Several times this weekend, I've glanced out the back door to see this little figure up in the tree.
I can never quite figure out how people get those photos of several hummers at the same feeder. The ones in my garden seem to spend all their time chasing each other away from the feeders, even though there were enough feeders to go round.
I was pleased to see that in between taking sips from the feeders I had put out, or chasing/being chased away from those feeders, the hummers also seemed to enjoy the blooms on the crepe myrtle tree and the vitex.
In addition to the hummingbirds, there have been some other winged wonders in the garden this week.
Overall this year, I haven't seen many butterflies, compared to years past, but this weekend saw some activity which I was able to get photos of.
I saw this little skipper on the white Texas Star hibiscus - he was so intent on collecting nectar, he was still there after I had gone indoors, got my camera, put fresh batteries in it and came back outside again.
The "Yellow Gold" lantana in the front garden seem to be favorites of many butterflies, including this Giant Swallowtail...
... and this Gulf Fritillary.
As I look over the monitor of my computer and out the back door, I can just catch a glimpse of my little hummingbird friend, resting in the Crepe Myrtle, next to the feeder. All is peaceful... for now...
Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.
