Hover with an attitude
The first time I saw a hummingbird, we were in the south of NB. Near the National Park. A place where the boats were aflooat of grounded, twice a day. Very pretty. We were stopped for breakfast, and I was enchanted by the tiny hovering birds. Almost like butterflies.
Little did I know.
We now have zoomies in front of our house. Tiny, aggressive birds, that fight like children left without supervision. The hum can be loud, enough to hear them inside behind a closed window. They hate strangers, and if you dress in bright red, you are seen as an enemy. I think. I try to avoid their area during daylight. My own fault, as I also supply their addiction with sugary water.
We can tell the males from the females by their plumage, and I find one to be as aggressive as the other. Happily they do not take over the whole yard, but it could evolve.
Yes, we are part of the problem, but forget that trope about tiny happy birds. The joy in their hearts is hidden, and when two or more are gathered together, there will be fighting.
And, we do appreciate that the zoomies can hover. Not a fake, riding an updraft current like eagles and gulls. These little beasts actually hover. No perch required. And that is magical.
Perhaps it is time to study the gang more closely. Learn their habits. Even their names. I no longer add fake colour to their feed, and it does not keep them from draining the tanks. What other secrets are being hidden. Do I need to duck and cower when they get into a tantrum?
