You don’t see them at first. You just become sensitive to the hint of flight among the junipers, the barely audible whirr of their wings. Yesterday, I became aware. I cooked up some nectar and today, there is a tribe of them buzzing in and out of the balcony, strafing each other with their wicked sword-beaks. It seems, with their warrior posturing, they burn more fuel than they consume. Their emerald backs glow iridescent even in today’s clouded light. The male stops his aggressive-defensive maneuvers, and hovers, still but in motion, above a juvenile that is feeding

A tiny jewel—sparkling red—he now sits on a twig against the juniper bark. It’s the male that has the ruby throat.


Hummingbird Nectar:
1 part sugar
4 parts water

Stir to dissolve sugar, then microwave @ 4 minutes. Cool to room temperature before serving.