Fattening up for the trip

I can't resist ... one more hummingbird shot today! I think I may be addicted. This is one of the females, probably one of this year's babes. I am so happy to see that all of the little hummers are fat and healthy looking - as they get ready for their 2,000 + mile trip, they need a big layer of fat!

Here is a shot of one of a juvenile male that shows the different coloration on his neck. During the winter, he will molt and grow a flashy red gorget, the better to attract the lady-birds!

I had a nice long hike along a lake this morning and got off a few interesting shots which I've posted in my Kittatinny Park blipfolio. Even found a few late blooming lotus blossoms which gave me a chance to try out my new polarizing filter. When I got home, I got a glimpse of a very large woodpecker - I think it may have been a pilated woodpecker. In any event, I was not able to get my camera fast enough to get him. Maybe this winter when there aren't so many leaves on the trees...

The hubs is off at Watkins Glen Raceway racing this weekend so it is just me, the cats, and the wildlife today. He was already gone when I returned from Portland, and this is the longest we've been apart in our 11 years of marriage. I will be so happy when he gets home tomorrow!

Dad continues to do well and is out walking several miles already. Thank you again for the prayers, vibes, mojo and good thoughts.

Debbi