While dead-heading American Basket flowers, fussing over transplants deposited during recent heavy rains, and musing about changes desired, I spied a female Black-chinned Hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri. She perched on a defoliated branch, high up in a neighbor’s declining tree. She sat a bit, zoomed over her territory, then sat again and continued to observe her realm. I attempted a photo while she was still, but she moved each time I pressed the camera’s button. Smears aren’t acceptable.

Finally, despite perspiration and a slightly aching lower back, my patience was awarded…gotcha! Ms. Hummer sat for a quick photo, photographer was chuffed!

I gardened further, then saw movement at a Red Yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora, which blooms under the increasing canopy of a young Red Oak tree. Ms. Hummer winged gracefully from flower to flower, I followed her feeding with my eyes–all three.

Hummingbirds are now birdie-zooming around the garden. Tiny territorial terrors jealously guard food sources and run off competition, all in preparation for autumn migration southward. The activity is all very dramatic and thrilling, affording this observer a front-garden seat to exciting avian acrobatics, occasional decent photos, and profound moments in the garden, appreciating its seasonal happenings.