Finally home!

​     It was the day I expected to see at least one of my hummingbirds arrive. It was very early after a night time rain. Every drop of water sparkled in the morning sun and there was life everywhere. Many birds of all kinds were present, and several of each kind selected their perfect perch to sit and wait for a possible arriving mate. They all sang their own song, all so different, and none of them in unison. It was like unorchestrated chaos, but so beautiful. All of my favourite birds had shown up within 2 days, except one. 
     I found no better way to spend the day than sitting and listening to the peaceful garden, and waiting for our Rubies to return. Every small moving object in the yard would grab my attention and make my heart skip a beat. Then it happened. Over the trees and directly to the open feeder arrived a male Ruby. He spent about 30 seconds drinking, and then flew the the next feeder to get a taste. Then he flew to the third, fourth, and fifth feeder, giving them each a taste. He inspected the yard from corner to corner and flew to one of his favourite perches...2000 miles and I'm finally home. N.E. of Edmonton, May 2016. Adult Male Ruby-throated hummingbird.

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