Hummingbirds are among the most spectacular of bird species. They are highly specialized and equipped to survive in this world. I watched a PBS special a while ago about the various varieties of hummingbirds and how they and the plants they feed upon actually have co-evolutionized (not sure that’s really a word)! Most of the hummingbird species have long fairly straight bills – all the better to suck up that sweet nectar, however, there is a hummingbird with a crooked bill specifically and anatomically adapted to feed from a certain flower.
Hummingbirds are aeronautical wonders; They can hover like a helicopter, they can fly as fast as 34mph and best of all they can fly backwards! Their wings flap anywhere from 12 to 80 times per second (depending on species) and when food is scarce or they are sleeping, they are able to lower than metabolism significantly in order to conserve energy. We usually spot a hummingbird when it is rapidly flitting around some flower but in reality they spend most of their time sitting and digesting. Sounds like my kind of bird!
Yesterday I included one of Murray’s photos of these ingenious little mighty-mouse birds. Today I want to share a few more close-ups of the tiny green hummingbirds inhabiting Central Park.
“Ahhhh so sweet…”
“That looks like a good one”
Teeny Tiny and Green
A Look of Determination
And Flexible TOO!
All photos courtesy of Murray Head
Related articles
- When Do Hummingbirds Migrate (wanttoknowit.com)
- How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden (proflowers.com)
- Hummingbirds get some human help (cbsnews.com)
- Winged Jewels and Flower Kissers (strawberryindigo.wordpress.com)
Bill Ding and his band of clowns are the security patrol for this blog site. He is a favorite toy from the 50*s. By the way sometimes a blog is just an ego-maniacal stream of conscience.
Pbenjay's Blog 
I love hummingbirds! In my last garden, I liked growing the flowers that had long stamens so they would hang out and feed there. Great pictures!
Thanks Spinny!