In the beginning...

...there were just a few red feathers, like dazzling lights on a pale canvas.  (And no, I've not enhanced these colors.)  It was pouring rain this morning, so I put up the patio umbrella, took my camera out, and enjoyed the show.  Hummingbirds love rain.  They take delight is sitting on branches in a downpour and fluffing their feathers, beating their wings, doing all the things birds with functional legs do in a bird bath or shallow puddle.  

My little friend here, who is the guardian of the middle part of our patio, was taking a splendid rain bath when he spied an enemy hummer entering his airspace.  And quicker than the click of a shutter, he was off to defend his feeders and flowers.  He then proceeded to continue his bath - perched on the feeder.  Very efficient, really, as he could bath and guard simultaneously.  

To see one of the "elders", still in perfect plumage, click HERE to go to Flickr.  He was diligently guarding another patch of the garden, no minding the droplets of water clinging to his head and beak.

Last night after dinner, I started getting a scratchy throat and by the time I went to bed, it felt like someone had taken some 40-grit sandpaper to it.  Apparently, I've managed to catch a cold.  I just thank my lucky stars that it isn't a Man Cold.  Which meant that I could get to the farm for fresh milkweed, release two monarchs, and make a batch of gazpacho for dinner.  Now, I'm off to take a nap.  Hmmm, maybe it IS a Man Cold.

Today's monarchs were released for Larry M. who has been gone 7 years and is still missed so very much by his friends; and for a young woman who's parents and friends are grieving her passing.  Many more caterpillars and chrysalids in the queue, so please let me know if there is someone you want to remember with a butterfly release.  For more info and photos, visit The 2018 Monarch Chronicles on FB.  

Thank you for the love on yesterday's hummingbird.  

xo
Debbi