Quince Blossoms and Hummingbirds

Japonica blossom
Japonica blossom

One of the sights that brings me a lot of joy is when a hummingbird visits our flowers. We used to put out feeders for them, but stopped a few years ago. Instead we have a fair amount of early Spring flowers that seem to have the same attraction, including two large and prolific japonica (quince) bushes. Although I read that these sweet little birds prefer a flower with a trumpet shape, they don’t seem to mind any of the shapes we have, whether from these blossoms or the frilly skirted fuchsias we have in hanging baskets. About a week ago I looked out of the kitchen window and I was rewarded with my first sighting of a hummingbird drinking nectar from these. The sight of them never fails to give me a thrill. For a special treat today we get 2 closeups of these little birds, in the photographs below. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. A flower a Day #253 

This little chap is about to take off from being rescued by Steven from being caught in a spider’s web! Which reminded me of the saying… A bird in the hand….

About to Take Off
Rescued and about to Take Off from Steven’s hand

Is worth 2 in the bush! (Photo below taken by Steven Kennard)

Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird by Steven Kennard

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8 Responses

  1. I am familiar with Japanese quince. They were in the garden of my previous house. The flowers on it, though, were pink and not the rich red that yours are. I often thought I should try to make quince jelly with the fruit. Of course, I never did…nor did I see any hummingbirds near them. What a thrill this posting has provided- first your beautiful shot of the quince blossoms and then, the treat of the close-ups of the sweet bird, so artfully taken. Thank you both, Ellie and Steve, for making my day.

    1. Yes, I also have that lovely pink quince of which you write, Janet, which I will share in due course. They are a little more tricky to photograph as they don’t seem to be so well placed (the flowers that is) for the light. And I haven’t noticed any hummingbirds around that particular bush either, but as it is not so easily seen from the window, it is perfectly possible that I missed the sight. I am so glad you enjoyed all the photographs today, and have passed on your thanks to Steve too! Thanks to you for the lovely comment.

  2. What a precious little creature… and to have one in the palm of your hand!! I’ve always been captivated by hummingbirds, but they’re hardly still long enough to actually see them. And I love your photo of the quince blossoms – gorgeous colour!

    1. Aren’t they just exquisite, Lynne? I’ve never actually held one, it’s always been Steven who has rescued them (and the bats) either from flying around in his workshop or that time from the spider web. I fear my hands would not be gentle enough for such a tiny creature. His are, obviously. Thanks for the lovely comment. The more I see these flowers the more I really see them, if you understand what I mean?

  3. The quince blossom is beautiful as are the captures you and Steven took of hummingbirds, they are so small but so cute! Have a lovely rest of the day Ellie 🙂

    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment and the visit, Eleftheria. I’m so glad you like them. They are all so special. Have a lovely day, my friend.

  4. Thanks so much for the bright beautiful flowers. Plus the extra treat of the amazing little birds. They are super fantastic to watch. Never Tire of the beauty of creation. Hope you have a lovely day today.

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