The backyard is humming with activity...

 The Lucifer Crocosmia is in full bloom right now and the hummingbird activity in the backyard has been non-stop...

We definitely have some new little visitors in addition to our regulars.

A friend stopped over the other day and we both took our cameras out back to see what we could capture. Some of these videos were taken that day.

I also went out this evening to see if I could capture any more to share. The following are some short snippets of male and female ruby throat hummers visiting the lucifer crocosmia and honeysuckle. I wish I could make these movies larger without them getting 'fuzzy.'

One hummer was feeding when another arrived, and the chase was on!

After visiting the crocosmia, this little guy visited the fuchsias that hang from the tent over the patio where I was sitting.

I was on the swing set deck patio next to the honeysuckle when I watched this little female start at the honeysuckle and then zip on over to the crocosmia.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer.

It's been brutally hot here in New England. I'm filling my more popular bird baths two, and sometimes three times a day to keep up with everyone's drinking and bathing.

Hoping for a break in this high temp, high humidity weather soon!

This week I'm joining Claudia, Mockingbird Hill Cottage for A Favorite Thing Saturday,
Cindy, My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday,

and the Cottage Garden Party Tracie's Fishtail Cottage

Stay cool, everyone!

Donna

The Butterfly Bush and Lucifer Crocosmia...

... are both in bloom right now.

I love the combination of purple and red.

Our butterfly bushes don't get nearly as thick and full as others I've seen (probably due to our "on the shady side" back yard); but nevertheless, what we do get is oh-so-beautiful!

(colored pencil filter)

There's also a white butterfly bush that sits behind the birdhouse. It's in an even shadier spot which is probably why it normally takes longer to start blooming.

The blooms on the butterfly bush are a beautiful purple with orange-red centers.

Hopefully I'll have the camera ready when the butterflies visit. This photo was taken last week before the lucifer crocosmia (to the left of the butterfly bush) came into bloom.

But they are in full bloom now, much to the hummingbirds' delight! I'm definitely going to try to get some photos/movies of my little friends at the crocosmia before their short bloom time comes to an end!

I hope you're all enjoying this fast-moving summer. I can't believe it's already the middle of July!

Have a great week, everyone!

Donna