Backyard Hummingbirds

 I focused on Hummingbirds  as well this fall, Primarily birds in flight under natural light conditions, I am fortunate to have several that visit the yard here.

In this area we only have Ruby Red Throats and the male typically establishes a territory and defends that territory against intruder birds. He will allow females of his choice and any offspring from there clutches.

Intruder males and females he will run off until he himself is overthrown by a more dominant male bird.

Much of his time is spent, defending and standing guard on his territory. Here is the male on Guard of his territory.

The males have the vivid red throat patch called a gorget, females don't have this, This patch is flared in displays for the female and also towards other males as a sign of dominance.

Here is a male in flight  eating nectar from some Anise Hyssup Alcapulco's  A dainty flower which naturally attracts hummingbirds. 

The female lacks the throat patch but actively feeds as the male sits in the not so far distance watching and defending against intruder birds.

Today the birds have vanished from the yard here marking the start of there southward migration for winter. Until next year upon there early spring return I wish them well.