Who’s that humming such a happy tune? Oh! It’s my friend Humphrey.
“Thanks for planting these red hot pokers,” he says. “I love the sweet nectar in them.”
“My long beak and even longer tongue are ideal for reaching down into these petals shaped like tubes.”
“But, look out Humphrey,” I call to him. “A dangerous character is heading right for you.”
“Eeeee! Thanks for the heads up, Anneli. These guys usually mind their own beesness. Still, I have to be careful or I could get stung.”
“Maybe he’ll pass right over my wings.”
“Look over your shoulder, Humphrey!”
“Oh no-o-o-o! Here he comes again. Buzz off!”
(You’ll have to look hard to see what’s over Humphrey’s shoulder.)
“I know you’ll think I’m a coward, but I’m going to hide for a minute. These guys can be dangerous. Their sting can pack quite a wallop for a little guy like me.”
“You can come out now,” I tell him. “I think he’s gone.”
“Thanks for watching out for me, Anneli,” Humphrey hums between slurps of red hot poker syrup.
“Well, take it easy on the dessert, Humphrey. You’re starting to get a little belly.”
“Ha ha, very funny.” Humphrey sips as fast as he can, then suddenly stops and glances down to his right. “Oh no-o-o-o-o. I thought I heard him buzzing. Here he comes again!”
“Bzz-bzz-bzz,” says the little critter. “I’m just beeeeing a beeee.”
Do you see him?
I see him! Beautiful photos Anneli! 😎❤️
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Great. Thanks, John.
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I see, too! Great photos, Anneli! Our hummingbird activity has been quite slow so far. I’m hoping with the hotter temperatures we’ll get more action.
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They definitely like warmer weather. Can’t blame them.
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Fantastic pictures, Anneli. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Pit. The hummingbirds always liked the red hot pokers. I have to tell you a little anecdote because you’ll understand. In German, the hummingbird is called a Kolibri. When I was a child, I was trying to tell my mom one day (in German), “I saw a … (and I couldn’t think of the word ‘Kolibri,’ but was thinking ‘hummingbird’), and it came out, “Ich habe einen Hummer gesehn.” Of course when I told her it was flying around, we both laughed because I realized I had said the word for “lobster.”
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Good morning, Anneli,
Now I’m smiling and thinking of flying lobsters. 😀 I know of these things, when you’re kind of living in two languages. Your example is a really funny one.
I hope that we’ll have some hummingbirds soon, and that I will be able to get them with my camera.
Have a wonderful day,
Pit
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I hoped you would “get it,” because it’s a little anecdote that few people would understand. If you get any pics of flying lobsters, let me know.
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Promise to post the pictures. 😀 When and if … 😉
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I rarely see hummingbirds. How nice for this opportunity. Nice shots!
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Thanks, Belinda. I’m surprised you don’t see many hummingbirds out your way.
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No feeders to attract them – downtown living😊
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Oh, I see. That makes sense then.
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Wonderful photos – quite a sight to see the two buzzing fliers! 🙂
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I took the pics from my deck and was surprised to see the bee when I uploaded the photos.
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I think the hummingbird is a Humphretta, that’s not a beer belly. Certain you’ll find a nest in your camelia bush? Enjoy your colorful flowers and a rainbow of dialogue.
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You may be right, Who knows? Humphretta? Hmm, I suppose …. I’ll ask her next time I see her.
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Very nice captures!
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Thank you. This fellow was an obliging model.
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Astonishing pictures and a beautiful little narrative – thank you for the smile on my face.
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How nice to have a comment from you. I’ve often seen your Like clicks, but it’s very good to have some words. I’ve clicked to follow your blog.
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I love seeing the way all creatures experience the same conflicts in many different forms. Fascinating. Lovely post.
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Thanks, Cathi.
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I could see the bee in every pic. Those first two photos are award winning. You should enter one into a photo contest.
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The hardest to see is where the hummingbird is turning to look over his shoulder at the bee, but I needed that picture in there (blurry as it was). The others were a bit better for focus, but those wings are VERY fast and hard to capture. But good for you, for finding that elusive bee!
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How did you zoom in so close and keep it steady? Such a great job.
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What a lovely story with those fantastic humming bird shots! Have you considered publishing it as a young children’s book? Truly a great post, Anneli!
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Publishing is easier said than done, but I appreciate that you feel it’s worthy. Thank you for that.
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Wow! This is fantastic.
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Thanks, Jennie. My goal is someday to get a clear picture of those super-speedy wings.
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I think your pics are very clear. 🙂
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Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome.
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I see him! Awesome photography, Anneli. What a great story!
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