Dick Peschke Photography

The ladies have stopped by my feeder the most during the past week or so. I was, however, fortunate to catch a couple of clicks of the one male I have seen. There must have been some territorial activity or some mating (this late in the season??) going on as I would see one hummingbird at the feeder and then another would come by and they would take off chasing each other – maybe they are just playful!

After a bit, one would return and feed and then go on their way to our neighbor’s hanging plant basket.

Here is a composite photo of a male (left) and a female (right) Ruby-throated Hummingbird approaching my feeder (at different times). The colors on the male’s chin are stunning. When not reflecting the sunlight the chin appears almost black.

The hummingbird feeder has been a very busy location these past few weeks. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird goes through this area during its migrations, but not usually this far west. We had a visitor two years ago, none last year, and this year has been quite a wonderful change.

I have seen 3-5 birds at various times. This year I placed the feeder on the edge of our deck just 20 feet from my desk. With my camera set up in the door way I would quickly – but carefully – move from my desk to the camera for some clicks while the birds were feeding.

Not sure how long these beautiful hummingbirds will stay before they continue south, but every day they are here is such a blessing. I can’t imagine being that small and traveling the great distances they travel each spring and fall.

This pair of Northern Cardinals will most likely never meet for real, but thanks to digital technology, I have been able to pair them up in this photo. The female on the left was photographed at a family member’s home in Grand Island, Nebraska. The male on the right was photographed at Spring Valley Wilderness Area in Waynesville, Ohio.

Kathy & I are fortunate to have many Cardinals visit our yard and partake of the food that the squirrels leave for them.   :grin:  There must be a nest close by as I have seen some young Cardinals learning to fly and eat for themselves (although they do seem to prefer it when mom or dad feed them!). I haven’t found the nest, but haven’t looked very hard as I have no interest in disturbing the family.

To say it has been hot here lately may be an understatement. The heat index was between 103 & 108 degrees most of last week. This picture may give you some idea of what affect the heat can have – even on Canadian Geese who spend much of their time in the water.

It was about 5:00 PM on Monday (9 July). I was quietly surfing the web and my partner was reading the newspaper. The quiet was shattered when Kathy shouted that I needed to come into the family room and to bring my camera. I got there, looked out, and saw about 30 Canadian Geese standing under the neighbor’s sprinklers. Perhaps the lake water was too warm, or they liked the added benefit of being in the shade. They may have been looking for a slip-and-slide!  

I was able to make a few clicks before the lead goose rounded up his gaggle and herded them off to the shore on the other side of the road. BTW – Today’s heat index is only 84.5 degrees. Brrrr!