Just Takin' a Bath

​     These are not great captures, but I wasn't expecting any photo ops. I usually wait a few days until I can figure out patterns and locations where they like to sit, then I'll spend time getting some closeups. I pulled out the garden hose to fill up the fountain and wash my hands. I noticed the one male feeding at a feeder when he instantly bee lined right towards me. I could see that fluorescent ruby throated laser beam coming right at me. At this point I had water splashing up in my face and causing a real commotion. He flew within a foot of the water hose, looked at me and then flew back to the trees. About an hour later we noticed him at the fountain. He was there for only about 15 seconds, long enough for me to get the camera out, but NOT to get the picture. Within a couple minutes he flew back to the fountain and sat on the edge, laid in the water and fanned himself with mist. These photos were from a long distance away, so please forgive the quality, but he sure game me a memory.
     This was our throw together fountain, and I placed a flat concrete piece on top so the water would just roll over it. It's course enough that they can grab hold with their little talons.
     This male is now our dominant male. I have not seen Ziggy, and I'm beginning to think his legacy is finished, however, he is more than likely the one to be given credit for the massive population that we've developed over the last few years.

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