The Start of a Legacy

      It's been an unusual year in every way.  The trees and plants are advanced by about two weeks compared to any year in the past.  Saying this, I would've expected hummingbirds early.  That just wasn't the case.  A large weather system divided northern U.S. and Canada in springtime.  That put a sudden halt on some of the migration.  Some birds showed up on time, then there was a gap of time, and once again more birds showed up.  I don't think last year's male ruby throat was the same as the previous year and if he did show up, he's still the fraidybird. He was a scared male that stuck to the back corner of our garden.  With so many dangers and predators throughout nature, one has to have unique skills to survive repeatedly over several years.  We had the odd male show up, but by their behavior they didn't show the dominance required to rule over the Hideaway. 
       On May 30th, things changed, and dramatically!  A male showed up, a new one.  He showed similarities to his grandfather Ziggy, but more extreme.  His attention issues require a serious dose of Ritalin.  He just can't do one thing at a time.  He leaves his perch to head for feeder, and on the way be distracted by the bird pond, flowers, the fountain, a chickadee, and then end up flying around the house right back to his perch.  He started off perching in among the trees with his tail flared, fully expecting another male to ambush him.  This behavior went on for about 2 hours until he eventually realized there was no one in charge.  In that time, he quickly took over full authority of Hummingbird Hideaway.  Now his perches are at the highest peaks around the yard.  There's nothing high enough for him.  If we had 1000 foot redwood tree, he probably perch on top of it.  He's now in control.  Although he's taken over all rights to the property, he still has to hone some of his skills.  Jousting with tree branches and chasing chickadees and song sparrows isn't going to find him the girls and keep out the other boys, but his excitement is beyond entertaining.  He uses the fountain several times a day, feeds from every blooming flower, and thoroughly enjoys every square inch of the garden.  His behavior is very unique, and perhaps this is the start of a new legacy.  Meet "Striker".

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