Today’s blog post features some photos of a ruby-throated hummingbird feasting on a Meadow Sage (Salvia Lyrical Blues) blooming in my very own flower garden!
I was enjoying a quiet afternoon on my deck, camera at the ready to capture the feathered visitors frequenting my feeders, when this dazzling little hummingbird zoomed in. It bypassed the feeders altogether and made a beeline for the vibrant blue-purple blooms of the Meadow Sage. Needless to say, I was much more thrilled to photograph this interaction than the usual feeder scene.
For those unfamiliar, the ruby-throated hummingbird is a common sight in eastern North America, and a frequent visitor to my backyard. These tiny jewels are particularly drawn to the nectar-rich flowers of Meadow Sage, making them a perfect addition to any garden looking to attract these fascinating creatures.
Meadow Sage, with its compact size and beautiful blooms, is an ideal choice for both containers and garden borders. The tubular flowers are like a built-in hummingbird buffet, perfectly suited to their long, specialized beaks and tongues. The vibrant colors act as a beacon to these birds with their exceptional color vision.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings an incredible 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in mid-air and delicately sip nectar with pinpoint accuracy. Their high metabolism is truly astonishing, requiring them to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day, especially during migration and nesting seasons.
Planting a variety of salvia species, with their extended bloom times, can provide a reliable nectar source throughout the spring and fall seasons. This is a crucial food source for these tiny powerhouses, fueling their incredible journeys of over 2,000 miles during migration.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your garden and attract some dazzling ruby-throated hummingbirds, consider planting some Meadow Sage! Who knows, you might just be rewarded with a breathtaking display of nature’s wonder, right in your own backyard.