NOT a hummie

If there is one thing worth breaking a hummingbird-streak for, it's a fall warbler, especially one that flies to within 10 feet and poses like a pro.  No matter that this was taken at ISO 2500 under heavily overcast skies after a heavy rain.  No matter that mosquitoes were nipping at me as I hunkered under the canopy on our deck, snapping away.  This is a Blue-winged Warbler (Vermicora cyanoptera), a bird that I'd actually not seen before this summer even though northern NJ is in their breeding range.  Like all warblers, this little guy/gal is an insectivore, following the insects as it migrates, on its way to the Caribbean and Central America for the winter.

And if you need a hummie-fix, I'll post one in Extra.  Also taken at ridiculously high ISO so a bit grainy.  And for a chuckle, check out this cardinal being photo-bombed by a hummingbird!

In Monarch Mom news, the little caterpillar that I had in sick-bay died last night.  Sad, but most likely it had some sort of bacteria or parasite which monarch cats are prone to.  The remaining 7 cats are all doing well and two of them are currently wandering the top of their enclosure, looking for a place to do their final molt before turning into chrysalids.  Speaking of which, one of my chrysalids has some odd coloration on it, so I have removed it into a separate container just in case it has become a host for tachinid fly larva.  Euw.  If it is going to turn into a butterfly, it should do it with the next 3 days, so tick tock...  It's a bit of a harrowing experience raising caterpillars, but still a great learning experience and worth the fuss.

Huge thunderstorms rolled through last night and more rain today - which was okay as we desperately needed it.  Tomorrow should be cooler and rain-free so I plan to get out for some hiking/photography.  Hubs is leaving Sunday morning for a week - a trip to Alabama to sort through some things for his mom.  

Thanks for stopping by!