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Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) - The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey

 

I find it interesting that this guy is feeding from an iris that has yet to open, and here I thought they didn't start producing nectar 'till they were open. Seems like I learn somthin' new every day!

And just yesterday I saw this same guy chasin' a Yellow-throated Vireo with something (just a little bigger than a jelly bean) in its beak, and he then proceeded to buzz back and forth furiously in front of it when it perched. Seems like the vireo had raided the little guys nest, and was makin' off with its booty. No wonder the little guy was so upset! I didn't see the fem today, and I hope she survived the encounter with the vireo.

 

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Uploaded on May 15, 2010
Taken on May 15, 2010