Anna's Hummingbird

Here's one of my little Anna's Hummingbirds (not to be confused with my daughter, Anna.)  Anna's Hummingbird is the name of this species native to the West Coast.  I was surprised to find them last winter in California, and even more surprised to see them around my house here in Washington last month.  I immediately put a hummingbird feeder out.  This particular hummingbird is my favorite of all the ones that visit.  She has taken to sitting in the tree that is planted directly in front of my kitchen window.  This is her favorite branch.  I wish I could have photographed her without the large yellow branch out of focus in the foreground, but I never found a good angle from outside.  Anyway, since there are no takers on my birdhouse so far, I'm hoping she is scouting out this tree as a location for her nest this spring. 

Still Snowing

I know this is nothing for those of you on the East Coast or Midwest, but all this snow is a pretty big deal around here.  We got two more inches yesterday and at least another inch so far today with no sign of stopping, so that's nine inches so far.  I'm posting the birdhouse again just for comparison, and also because I see it all the time out my window.  Just out of the picture is a bird feeder which has seen active use, and a hummingbird feeder.  I have taken it as my personal mission to keep (at least) three Anna's Hummingbirds alive during our cold spell.  I suppose they could survive just fine without me, but they like the feeder, so I dust the snow off to keep it usable, and I bring it in a few times a day and thaw it out.  I would say there is a hummingbird at the feeder every five minutes, so I like to think they are appreciating my efforts. 

Anna's Hummingbird

This Red Bottle Brush was just one of the many plants at Butterfly Grove that was specifically planted for the wintering Monarch Butterflies.  It was pretty cold yesterday though, and very few butterflies had left the tree.  This little Anna's Hummingbird had the flowers all to himself. 

February 18

An Anna's Hummingbird by the pond this morning.  Gosh, I need a bigger lens!