Hummmmmm

At 40 to 80 beats of their wings per second, they appear to be a small body supported by the most fragile of wings.

This summer, we are getting visited by some hummingbirds - mostly female Ruby-throated hummingbirds - on our third floor balcony restaurant.

It's mostly a to-go kind of place, although they sometimes will set a spell for a couple of refreshing sips of sugar water.

It's one thing to see them.

It's another to have time to grab your camera, find a location with a clear line of sight, and capture a couple on digital film.

According to hummingbirds.net, it's the most common species of hummingbird in the eastern United States and can be found around Wisconsin from April into September.  Three and a half inches long and they weigh maybe an eighth of an ounce - yeah, I could fly too at that weight.  Although I doubt my arms could hold me up!

Given the timing, the birds stopping by our place could be the mom or the juveniles - since male and female young lack the Ruby throat.

Other than trying to get some nectar out of a cloth pennant hanging from our railing, these birds are smart.  They leave Wisconsin sometime next month to winter in Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America - the destination varies depending on whether they book through Priceline or Expedia.

For whatever time is left of the summer and their frequent visits, I'm glad they chosen to stop by for something to eat.  They are truly amazing to watch.