Lunch For Two Please

You know how I love the critters, even the ones that are rather hard to find.  My hummers never left during the snow.  Even with the big flakes coming down, they came to the feeder all day long.  On the other hand, I didn't see or hear any other birds.  It seemed they all flew away ... until Saturday.

This little Verdin came out looking for lunch.  They usually eat insects, things like spiders, and they love mesquite and acacia trees, the thornier, the better.  On this day I guess he just wanted dessert.

Humming birds are very territorial, especially when it comes to their food source.  There are always two or three flying crazy fast around the patio, fighting for position at the food trough.  You can imagine the hummers consternation when this interloper showed up.  Try as he might, he just could NOT intimidate the Verdin into leaving.

The little guy just tipped over and hung on.  Not much the little hummer could do but keep dive bombing him over and over.

The Verdin was not impressed.  He just kept hanging on.  At last, the hummer gave up and flew to a nearby tree.

Finally ...... LUNCH!!  His beak didn't fit in the hole, but all that swinging back and forth while the hummer harassed him, caused the liquid to flow out the holes.  The little guy sipped it from around the edge of every yellow flower.

Well that was refreshing!!!  The hummer came back for one more fly by (you can see his wing on the right).  The Verdin, having had his fill, flew off to my acacia tree.  Nature is funny.  All this took place in about three minutes.  It was fun to see how it played out.

I did go hiking yesterday and thankfully can still walk this morning.  I'll post some pictures tomorrow of my lovely experience near the train trestle.  The good news is I found my way home all in one piece.