After the post about missing my hummingbirds, I discovered that I had one last straggler, Ruby. I was able to take this photo during a rain shower last week when she sought refuge on the feeder which is sheltered by the roof ledge overhead. She looked so small and vulnerable sitting there, completely unaware that I was even studying her. I could actually see her chest heaving with each rapid beat of her heart. I know that though she appears fragile, hummingbirds are actually very determined creatures. But still, I can't help but be apprehensive on her behalf knowing that she has a journey of several thousand miles ahead of her. I wonder if at some point something innate will tell her it's time to go or if she is just building up her courage or energy to begin the long journey.
It is raining again today, a rarity in and of itself here in Georgia. Ruby was just at the feeder. I had not seen her for a couple of days and thought that perhaps she had travelled on. We keep our feeders out until the first frost because occasionally hummingbirds from regions north of us will pass through. Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are native to our region, but other varieties north of us have been known to visit the local feeders. We love these little Perky Pet window feeders from Ace Hardware, they have worked the best for us and the hummingbirds. I don't use the commercial nectar, which is tinted with red dye, as I prefer to make my own (one part sugar to four parts water). You have to be careful to clean the feeders each week and replenish them with fresh nectar. It is so important that they get plenty of nectar to build energy stores this time of year. In the Spring months they seem to favor flowers (who could blame them) over my homemade nectar.
I enjoy watching little Ruby at the feeder each day. She has been such a source of wonder and amazement to me, and as I am in the midst of creating a new stamp collection, I decided there needed to be a Ruby stamp. I'm off to Seattle for a week and probably won't see her again for many months, so until then I wish her a blissful journey and safe return in the Spring! 
