Ruby-throated Hummingbird female

All three photos posted this morning were taken yesterday, 21 July 2017, when friend, Dorothy, invited me over for a BBQ supper and the chance to maybe see and take photos of the beautiful Ruby-throated Hummingbird that has been visiting their colourful garden. I did try to get an OK photo when a group of us was there for a BBQ just a matter of days ago, but I didn't get a single photo that was fit to post. They suspect that any day now, this tiny bird will be leaving. She has been extra busy at their feeders full of sugar-water, getting ready for her long migration journey across the Gulf of Mexico. Her nonstop journey will be more than 1,030 km. This photo of her was taken when she was at a Red Birds in a Tree plant. I had never heard of this plant before, but it does look like a little flock of red birds perched on branches.

"Red birds in a tree is a hummingbird’s delight. The hovering birds are attracted to the luscious cherry-red tubular flowers that sit atop dark green, ovate, toothed leaves. Just look at the flower and you will see how it earned its descriptive name.

A relative of the penstemon, Scrophularia macrantha flowers continuously from spring through fall. The plant does not need much TLC and will re-bloom without deadheading. Vibrant color will illuminate your garden all summer long. Once established, it requires little water and is suitable for xeriscaping. The plant originates from the mountain slopes of New Mexico and adapts quite well to anywhere in your landscape that offers full sun to part shade. Red Birds in a Tree likes to entwine with other plants for support and will grow best in the back of a border." From link below.

plantselect.org/plantstories/a-feast-for-the-eyes-and-the...

Thanks so much, Dorothy and Stephen, for such a lovely time! The meal was delicious, and it was so much fun to get a better look at your tiny Hummingbird. Like other years, you are going to miss her when she leaves!