August Morning

August morning

August Morning: Sunrise and Hummingbirds

August morning: the smoke from the fires west of us was bad for two days, and it still remains. But, the skies are a little clearer and the temperatures cooler. Autumn is not quite palpable, but is just around the corner. The smoke adds color to the clouds. Most of the male hummingbirds have already left for winter homes. The females and juveniles will be here for a week or two, filling up in preparation for the long trip. This is a beautiful time in New Mexico.

August morning
Note just a hint of crepuscular rays. The smoke has cleared significantly from the prior two days, but is still producing especially colorful skies.
August morning
Female rufous hummingbird eyeing breakfast of cosmos

Female Rufous Hummingbird

female rufous hummingbird
Female Rufous Hummingbird
female rufous hummingbird
Female rufous hummingbird at a feeder

Early August finds many hummingbirds migrating through Albuquerque. While most seem to prefer flowers to feeders, when there are so many present at one time and in the midst of the drought, they also seem happy to have feeders available.

Nectar is easily made by combining 1 part sugar with 4 parts water, heating to a boil, then allowing to cool. Feeders should be changed every day or two to keep the nectar fresh.

This is the Audubon Guide to Rufous Hummingbirds.

This is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Guide to Rufous Hummingbirds.

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