Hummingbirds

I was thrilled that I was finally able to get a picture of one of our visiting hummingbirds!  They have been our daily companions for some time now, and have completely charmed Jasper.  Not everyone knows that Anna's hummingbirds live in Portland all year long.  The males are especially dazzling, with   iridescent hot pink patches.  It is very easy and inexpensive to bring hummingbirds into your family's life.  It takes a while for them to find your feeder, but if you are patient and keep the syrup fresh, they will become fervently loyal.  Hummingbirds are very territorial, and we gave watched them many times fiercely defending the feeder against invaders.   Then, after a few weeks or months, someone new moves in.  They are quite brave for their size.  When Portland had its winter cold snap last year, they really appreciated the feeder, and would dive at us nearly every time we left the house because they felt we were getting too close! We found our library has many wonderful books for children, both fiction and nonfiction, describing these amazing birds.  They are the only birds that can hover and fly backward. The Backyard Bird Shop has all kinds of information on their website about Anna's hummingbirds and how to make them happy. Here's one:  http://backyardbirdshop.com/index.php/site/article/keep_these_facts_in_mind_when_feeding_hummingbirds/