July 28, 2024

I am a Ruby-throated Hummingbird

My short legs make it hard to walk

But I can fly super fast with precision

And I migrate alone, not ever in flocks.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH 

Sources: https://journeynorth.org/tm/humm/migration_route.html

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/overview

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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June 27, 2021

I am a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird,

Sitting happily on my nest

You might confuse me with a Black-chinned  

But they only breed in the west.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Nantahala NF, Buck Creek Pine Barrens, NC

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/species-compare/66120141

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 1, 2020

I am a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 

My legs are short and my wings beat fast

But not fast enough to avoid predators - 

Including Loggerhead Shrikes and cats. 

Location: Hiawassee, GA

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Archilochus_colubris

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 30, 2020

Location: Maritime Hammock Preserve, Cocoa Beach

I'm an adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
You can tell cause my throat is red and bright
I'll drink from hummingbird feeders - but
Clean the feeder often or else I might die.

Sources: Cornell Lab - All About Birds - Feeding Hummingbirds

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 26, 2017

Location: Mims, Grandperrin Road

I'm a Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
I'm immature so my throat's not yet ruby red.
I'm the only bird who can fly backwards,
And I drink nectar to keep myself fed.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson