Today we woke up to a cool 68°, an overcast sky, and blustery winds. That's so rare for September. I got most of my steps in without sweating, then came home to shower. The husband was on the patio and he told me I should get the tripod and long lens because two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds had been steadily feeding at two nectar stations within 10-12' of us. The light was pretty dismal, but I was happy that the male obliged by showing off his gorget. There was just enough light at one brief moment to see the iridescent blue and green back feathers.

Soon they will be off on their southern migration journey. They fly 500 miles or more nonstop to Mexico and other Central American countries. They fly over the Gulf of Mexico at night, and with no place to stop and refuel, they are at the mercy of hurricanes or other storms. Hummingbirds fly alone, not in groups. Their guidance system seems to be instinctual, for even the young have no parent or adult to show them the way. They tend to follow the same routes of their ancestors, though scientists don't understand how they know. They are truly amazing, fearless, tiny creatures. It gives me great pleasure to provide fuel for their travels. 

“I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is Mine." Psalm 50:11

264/366Fueling Up