Back on my Throne

"Back on my Throne"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography


The hummingbirds are back at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and so are the new Hummingbird Trail maps! The maps are in the Visitor Center at the front desk. The new map will be on the web site shortly.

There aren't a ton of hummingbirds at the Garden yet. The females are busy building their nests, so female hummingbird sightings are lower. In three to five weeks, I think the babies of two nests may be born. I saw a female collecting dandelion last week near marker # 20 for her nest:)

A male hummingbird can be found frequently at marker #6 on the dead branches at the top of the Loquat tree. Give him 5-10 minutes and you may see him.

The busiest marker right now is marker #11 at the rose garden. This is a new marker this year as there is an abundance of flowers the hummingbirds love!

These photographs were taken today at their respective markers. Thanks to everyone for helping get the trail and maps ready this year!!

Location: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

Custom Throne

"Custom Throne" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

Help wanted.....I need a name for this male hummingbird! Read below and let me know what I should call him:)

This male hummingbird has come back to this same branch for the past few years at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. It is nowhere near the main garden where the lush flowers are. He was in a bit of a surprise when he found out his throne had been pruned. I will be seeing him all summer, so I need a name. What do you think? 

Location: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 

It's a Boy

"It's a Boy!" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

It's a boy! My first ruby-throated hummingbird came to my house last night. I was so excited! He will be easy to distinguish from the other male hummingbirds—he has a small white marking at the base of his beak. 

Let the games begin!! 

Location: Athens, Georgia

A Clever Creature

"A Clever Creature" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography  

Today, as I was going through my photographs, I stopped and studied this hummingbird.  I looked where his beak was and quickly figured out what he was doing.  He was getting the nectar from the base of the flower.

Clever

"Clever"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

Location:  The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In Comparison

"In Comparison" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

 It's always hard to show some sort of scale when comparing the size of a hummingbird to something else.  I think the leaves on this vine do a great job.  I usually see the last hummers at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia around October 2-3.  I'm really gonna miss these guys!! 

In The Spotlight

"In The Spotlight" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

I created a bird hide in my daughter's room, so I could take photos of the hummingbirds in my yard.  I pushed down the top part of her window, hung a sheet over the whole window, and stuck my lens through the sheet to photograph the little critters. 

 

There are two males, one female, and one immature male that I know of.  This particular male likes to perch on a limb about eight feet from her window.  My latest tactic is to place my camera on live view and relax until he gets on the limb then jump up and photograph him.  Sure beats keeping my eye to the view finder till he gets there!

Out To Lunch

"Out To Lunch"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Location:  The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Really??

"Really??"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

"Really??" is something I have been saying a lot lately.  I know I have mentioned frequently how the Lord brings to me what He wants me to photograph, but He really amazes me! 

This particular day I had my camera and tripod pointed at a bush where I had observed hummingbirds feeding.  This male Ruby-throated Hummingbird landed right in front of me!  "Really??"

A Moment Of Rest

"A Moment Of Rest"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

I found a new perch for the hummingbirds at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia last week.  Two male humminbirds constantly chased each other away offering little moments of rest.  I camped out with my tripod for a long period of time to catch those moments when they were not chasing each other.