Anna's Hummingbird

This little hummingbird can barely be seen on the fence!

Anna's Hummingbirds are beautiful little birds found along the western coast of North America, from southern Canada to northern Baja California, and inland to southern Arizona.

My friend Desiree writes that the little guy sitting on her fence (above) hangs around all winter and comes to her feeders all day.

She says the day she took the picture, it was so cold he just stayed next to the feeder and flew back and forth from the porch rail to the feeder and back again.

I don't blame him, poor fellow.

These birds tend to be permanent residents within their range and are very territorial.  They are the only hummingbirds to spend the winter in northern climates, providing there are enough winter flowers and food to support them.

A Male Anna's Hummingbird

These are tiny birds - from about 3.9 to 4.3 inches (10-11 centimeters) long.  The adult male has an iridescent crimson-red crown and throat, and a dark, slightly forked tail.

A Female Anna's Hummingbird

The female of the species, and juveniles, have a green crown, a grey throat with some red markings and a grey chest and belly.

These birds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue.  They also eat small insects.  Like bees, these guys are important to flower pollination.

Obviously the little guy who lives in Desiree's garden has a dream home - with a feeder nearby for the winter and a lush garden in the spring, summer and fall, he's set for life!

According to Wikipedia, there are an estimated 1.5 million Anna's Hummingbirds in the United States and they are doing very well.

This makes me happy, because I really like these little guys.  We have them in my neighborhood, too.  They always make me smile, when I see them.

To quote my friend Desiree, "This is the splendor of God's creation."