What a banner summer it’s been here in Rhode Island for our ruby throated hummingbirds – the best I can remember. They are positively swarming our three feeders. (I was tempted to hang a few more, but I had to draw the line somewhere.) I have never had to refill them as often as I have this year every other day!

Of course, I also have a garden planted with hummingbirds and other pollinators in mind.  It’s fun to watch the birds foraging in the flowers.

The birds had two clutches this year, at least in these parts, so there are two broods of fledged juveniles, the first from earlier this summer and the second more recent. And of course the parents are feeding too, making for quite a show. The young male in the photo below is just starting to develop his stunning red gorget, one feather at a time.

It’s hard to believe that in another couple of weeks, most of them will be gone, headed south for the winter. I’ll miss them, but it’ll be nice to have a break from cleaning and filling those feeders…..Safe travels, my dear summer friends.