Riding the Wind

​​     The N.W. winds were howling and most birds had taken shelter, and even though the clapping leaves and branches drowned out the squeaking throughout the garden, the hummingbirds continued to battle. It was as though there wasn't even a wind. The only trouble they had was trying to time their landing on a feeder that was violently swinging in the wind. Once perched, they gripped on tight and rode the wind. The plants turned inside out and leaves were shuttering directly S.E. About 20 hummingbirds still remained in the garden and feeding was a priority. Something was in the wind and the message was very clear to them. It was time to leave. Several took the easy route and rose up into the windy skies and coasted their way in the direction of the Autumn sun while many still remained, and for how much longer was yet to be seen. 
     The next morning I caught the early frenzy, but it didn't last for long. By 7 am the yard had pretty much gone silent. Only about 8 birds remained. They each had a feeder and their was little need to trespass into other feeding territories. The message was still clear for the rest - feed and fatten up because the time is near.
     The last image is a young male Ruby-throat trying to time his landing. He fought the 70 km wind with little problem, but struggled with the swinging feeder. August 16, 2019. N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 

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