Hummingbirds – Nature’s Helicopters
Hummingbird in Flight - photo by Kalynna Thompson
If you’ve never seen a hummingbird in person – they truly are one of nature’s most amazing creatures. Their speed, ability to hover, fly backwards, and agility are second to none. They beat their wings between 12 and 90 times per second and can fly at speeds exceeding 30 mph. Not only are hummingbirds attracted to certain flowers and feeders filled with sugar water, these birds feed on small insects, helping to keep the mosquito and gnat populations in check. Naked Mountain is fortunate enough to be home to an often frequented hummingbird feeder where our visitors are frequently treated to views of many different types of these special birds.
Recently, we had a visitor, and amateur photographer, Kalynna Thompson, snap a wonderful photo of a hummingbird mid-flight. For any of you who have attempted to take a photo of a hummingbird – you’ll understand how difficult a shot like this can be. Thanks, Kalynna, for sharing this photo with us! I’ve also included a few shots I took myself – not quite as nice though.
What’s a winery blog about hummingbirds without a mention of wines? Why not come out and visit the winery and enjoy a picnic and some of our wonderful “summer sippers” (2010 Unoaked Chardonnay, 2010 Rosé, or 2010 Riesling) while enjoying our views and maybe even sighting a hummingbird or two? We also just released our 2008 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay on our reserve list! We look forward to seeing you out on the mountain – and don’t forget – DRINK NAKED!!
Hummingbird Going to Feed
Hummingbird Feding
