The General

We are blessed, in a sporadic kind of way, with some incredible little visitors. This is a Rufous Hummingbird. These are my favorite hummers. Not only are they beautiful, but they are wonderfully entertaining.

Every year there is one who we call "The General". This little bird literally rules the roost, expending an incredible amount of energy fending off any other hummer who dares to drink out of any feeder or blossom within his sight.

This is the smallest hummingbird & the farthest ranging, from Alaska to Mexico. We see them early in the late Spring/ early Summer time & again in late Summer on their migration path. They stay a week or two or three & then they move on. Hardy, feisty little survivors. Probably why I like them so much.

We have 4 feeders, 2 on one side of the house & 2 on the other. Even the most vigilant General can't watch all 4 at once. Gives the slower less aggressive birds a chance!

MUST ENLARGE