Hummingbirds are one of nature's marvels. They the smallest bird in the world, measuring 3-4 inches and weighing just over a penny. Their tiny size means they readily lose body heat and must eat every 10 minutes to maintain their high metabolic needs. They consume half their body weight in nectar each day. In flight their little hearts beat over 1,200 times each minute. Their wings beat 70-80 times per second allowing them to fly forward, backwards or hover in mid-air...they can dive at speeds of 60 miles per hour.

Males maintain territories and defend them with determination. Fast and fearless, they buzz back and forth in U-sharped arcs, then ascend high into the sky only only to dive down in break-neck speed. Males also possess iridescent feathers aroung thier throat, called gorgets and flash them as signals. These feathers appear dark and dull until lighting conditions reveal these colorful jewels.

Hummingbirds are found only in the New World. Of the 350 species, 17 occur in the United States. Here in the Bay Area, Allen's hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico for the winter and return each spring. The slighter larger Anna's are year-round residents. Watching and photographing these little gems has been one of my rewarding experiences.