Waiting for Godot ....

 Aug 3, 2024


I don't recall ever seeing a hummingbird in FL, although I'm sure they were around. Based on Facebook posts in the NC area, I knew they were here and one first appeared in the yard when these tiger lilies began to bloom. Early photos were taken through the LR window pane or a screen, and I soon began sitting outside to wait for this little bird to come by for a photo opp with no optical interference. The first time I did that, I waited about 1/2 hr, and that was long enough for me to name him "Godot". And although I say "him", I can't say I'm sure about that - it could be a female or an immature male. This is a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, with a paucity of "ruby"!


This one is the only one who regularly comes by. I've seen 2 or 3 others traveling together, who zip by, often distract Godot, then zoom off. It's unclear what that's all about, possibly some bird taboo being somehow violated. These lilies have finished blooming for the season, so I've put up a hummingbird feeder that will hopefully continue to bring these little customers.

The other birds are still around, though, and we've developed a comfortable truce with the squirrels. They get some spillage, one gets onto a feeder once every couple days (and bails out immediately when he sees me). It's workable for now, as long as they don't adopt the traits of their violent kin - the irritable easily triggered red squirrels of New Hampshire! That leaves plenty of food for the birds, and I've gotten more pics of them while waiting for Godot! The butterflies have liked the same lilies that attract the hummingbirds.




This year, Father's Day brought a new treat - a gift of a new birdfeeder with an HD camera that connects to the house wifi network and is powered by a solar cell. I can download videos onto my cell phone, and it's been a lot of fun. The regulars have been Cardinals, Finches, Sparrows, with special guest appearances by a Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, and Brown Thrasher. Here is one of the regulars - a Cardinal who prefers to dine alone.... (Cardinal O'Connor)

This House Finch discovered that after trying to mind his own business...

And the Mourning Dove seems like he's just too big for anyone to mess with. He just sat there for 20 min or so, taking his time...


After my last outdoor sessions, hoping to see a hummingbird and waiting for Godot, I was able to track him in fading light as he left a high up perch in a tree......








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