Hummingbirds really do exist!

Yes, hummingbirds do really exist! I was enlightened by this fact today. Until now, I've maintained that they are figments of people's over active imagination. About five years ago, my husband claimed to have spotted one in the Canadian Rockies while I was conveniently in the bushes seeing to other calls of nature. This week my husband again informs me he caught sight of one on my rhododendron. While doing the dishes on another night, he called me to the kitchen in a voice that caused me to believe he was on fire. Apparently, there was a ruby throated hummingbird feasting on the lobelia in my window box. Alas, by the time I arrived, I caught a glimpse of something small (a bee?) winging away. So I was adamant that the dainty birds were akin to the sasquatch. While I was at work last night, my husband caught this video to prove their existence.



An auspicious day must have dawned this morning. While enjoying a salad for lunch, out of the corner of my eye I caught something small and swift move past the window. I rushed to the window and there was a hummingbird hovering next to our feeder. It was a magnificent sight. Throughout the afternoon, I watched her (female by coloring) return several times to my flower bed and feeder.

But the absolute highlight occurred this evening. Both of us were in the front yard and a male ruby throated hummingbird alighted on my geranium. We stood statue still and watched. While making his way to the feeder he noticed that I was standing next to it. He abruptly halted in midair about 2 feet in front of me and we gazed at each other for about 5 seconds. I could hear his wings humming! This ranks right up there with my grizzly bear encounter for spectacular wildlife adventures. After ascertaining that I was not hostile and not a flower (probably thought I was a post) he continued to the feeder for dessert. I will remember this day for a long time and can now admit the error of my ways. Hummingbirds do exist and they are marvelous to behold.