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?
June 10, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I see him! Beautiful photos Anneli! 😎❤️
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June 10, 2018 at 5:10 pm
Great. Thanks, John.
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June 10, 2018 at 2:17 pm
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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June 10, 2018 at 5:09 pm
They definitely like warmer weather. Can’t blame them.
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June 10, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Fantastic pictures, Anneli. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
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June 10, 2018 at 5:09 pm
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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June 11, 2018 at 5:56 am
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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June 11, 2018 at 7:18 am
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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June 11, 2018 at 9:51 am
Promise to post the pictures. 😀 When and if … 😉
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June 10, 2018 at 3:23 pm
I rarely see hummingbirds. How nice for this opportunity. Nice shots!
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June 10, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Thanks, Belinda. I’m surprised you don’t see many hummingbirds out your way.
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June 10, 2018 at 6:18 pm
No feeders to attract them – downtown living😊
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June 10, 2018 at 6:20 pm
Oh, I see. That makes sense then.
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June 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Wonderful photos – quite a sight to see the two buzzing fliers! 🙂
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June 10, 2018 at 5:00 pm
I took the pics from my deck and was surprised to see the bee when I uploaded the photos.
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June 10, 2018 at 5:09 pm
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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June 11, 2018 at 7:26 am
You may be right, Who knows? Humphretta? Hmm, I suppose …. I’ll ask her next time I see her.
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June 10, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Very nice captures!
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June 10, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Thank you. This fellow was an obliging model.
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June 10, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Astonishing pictures and a beautiful little narrative – thank you for the smile on my face.
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June 10, 2018 at 9:26 pm
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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June 11, 2018 at 4:10 am
I love seeing the way all creatures experience the same conflicts in many different forms. Fascinating. Lovely post.
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June 11, 2018 at 7:18 am
Thanks, Cathi.
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June 11, 2018 at 8:27 am
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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June 11, 2018 at 9:31 am
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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June 11, 2018 at 9:33 am
How did you zoom in so close and keep it steady? Such a great job.
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June 11, 2018 at 4:06 pm
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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June 11, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Publishing is easier said than done, but I appreciate that you feel it’s worthy. Thank you for that.
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June 16, 2018 at 5:47 am
Wow! This is fantastic.
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June 16, 2018 at 6:36 am
Thanks, Jennie. My goal is someday to get a clear picture of those super-speedy wings.
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June 16, 2018 at 5:58 pm
I think your pics are very clear. 🙂
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June 16, 2018 at 7:42 pm
Thanks, Jennie.
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June 17, 2018 at 5:33 am
You’re welcome.
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June 18, 2018 at 9:22 am
I see him! Awesome photography, Anneli. What a great story!
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June 18, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Glad you could see him. It was a bit like one of those “hidden things” picture.
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June 18, 2018 at 2:34 pm
😁💜♥️
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