The dog days of summer are perfect for spending time with our smallest Eastern birds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the East's only native species. Though they be but little, they are fierce! Birds, bees and butterflies quickly learn that this patch of cardinal flower belongs to this immature male hummingbird. And other hummingbirds get a quick lesson in self-defense when they trespass.
Grains of pollen fall away from a flower as a hummingbird feeds. They are methodical about checking each bud at regular intervals.
A juvenile bird shows off the first rubies on his throat. These pretty birds are aggressive and jealously defend their flower patches.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel. But they are busy, busy. Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism, so they must stoke their furnace regularly.
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