The Farewell

     The morning started off with a fog that was heavy and settled deep into the garden.  There was complete silence as most migrating songbirds had already moved on.  The only thing that appeared to have woken up with the light were a few remaining hummingbirds. Little chasing was going on, but the feeding was regular with resting intervals in between.  They continued to feed until the sun burned away the fog.The signs were obvious every time one would visit the feeder.  The length of feedings extended well beyond the normal times, and the efforts weren't wasted on fighting. They had received their calling and warmer temperatures awaited them an entire continent away. 
     For over a week now I've watched many hummingbirds arrive and depart from our garden, as our regulars became of age to make the journey, and migrants would stop in for a fill-up before moving on. As of August 24th, I had about 6 hummingbirds to start the morning, but watched a couple of them migrate. As they'd leave, another bird was willing to step into its place and claim the unguarded feeder. 
     This female Ruby-throat sat quietly atop the Lilac bush, disguised behind a sagging spider web soaked in fog. It was only a matter of hours before she too would depart. 
​N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. August 24th, 2019.

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