Look who's put on a little weight (okay, perhaps more than a little weight) in preparation for the big trip south. Captured this ruby-throated yesterday, and truly appreciate each day we get with them before they migrate. Hummingbirds will gain 25% to 40% of their body weight before they migrate; if larger birds gained that much weight, they wouldn't be able to take off!

Love it when our little feathered friends (ruby-throated hummingbirds) hover above the flowers. Sure there are many of us that are a lover of the hover!

The first Saturday in September (Sep 5th in 2020) is National Hummingbird Day, so happy day to all of our little feathered friends and to those who celebrate them! They are quite busy here in northern Illinois getting ready for their big trip south . . .

Captured this Ruby-throated Hummingbird practicing its superman yoga pose during its nectar run among the flowers.

The Ruby-throated hummingbirds have become quite active in the last couple of weeks, and really enjoy watching them hover, dart from flower to flower, and of course chase each other with abandon.

This mighty little ruby throated hummingbird wants everyone to know that the big beautiful eagle in the next frame over has "nothing on me . . . I'll take a stunt-flying challenge any day!" You go little one!