Handsome Lil Guy

     Just like many young hummingbirds do, he chose to perch in an unusual location. Day after day the lilies would lose one petal at a time and his perches were slowly dwindling down. After feeding and fighting, this handsome lil guy would return to the same spot as before. It was safe, full of flavor and colorful. Whether he gained much from this stamen or not, he would poke at it in a playful manner. Pollen would gather on and around his bill except for this soggy morning. He still managed to pollinate is face, but from the Nasturtiums instead. The lilies were cupped upward and caught so much rain, and all that remained were soggy stamens.
    Here is the reason to fill your garden with flowers. This juvenile male Ruby-throat hadn't yet chosen a feeder, but remained around the garden due to the assortment of flower food. Although lilies aren't a great choice of food for hummingbirds, they still are a food source. They will sample every flower in sight and then determine which ones are worthy of a return visit.
    The dark spots forming on his throat are a dead giveaway that he will become more than just the handsome lil guy that he is. He will soon develop the most beautiful ruby colored throat and compete with all the other males the following Spring.
N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. August 2017

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