I have been immersed in Hummingbirdland....And it is glorious! There is such a show going on here all day, every day....at least right now and maybe for another week or so.....Why? Well....you remember my posting about this Agave that started to flower? I took the first pictures of the stalk...(it looked like a huge asparagus....) back in December....
It was way back in early December....For some reason I hadn't noticed it till that day....And it probably began it's growth in November....In the picture above, I am guessing it was about ten or twelve feet high....
And above, here it is in January, 2007....Watching this wonderful stalk grow has been a slow but sure process which I knew would take a long time to get to where it is now.....But before we get to that...Here below is the stalk in February, 2007....
You see this beautiful green Agave plant with those very elegant leaves at the base.....After the flower pods have bloomed and everything is done, the plant will die. In fact, it has begun this proces by the very nature of that stalk this is now in full flower.....
Here above is a close-up of the top of this growing stalk, in March, 2007. Taken from my deck looking down...By this time it is probably about twenty to twenty-five feet high.....
Above, the stalk in May.....it is still not showing the pods, at all....But then....
As you can see in this picture above, there are some little arms growing near the top of the stalk....here below a bit closer on these....
This process is just amazing to watch and document....this picture above is the middle of June....And here below....
Another shot of one of these flower pods just beginning to open....It goes through quite a few more transformations before we actually see these goregeous flowers. And now, the growth of these pods is happening much faster than the growth of the stalk itself.......
Another two pods in different stages of growth, taken that same day in June....the pod on the left is actually further along than the one on the right....And pretty soon, this is what we see....
There are more pods in different stages of growth....this picture above was taken with me standing on the steps going down the side of my house....
This picture above was taken around the 16th of July. The necter that these flower pods contain had begun to glisten in the sun and the Hummingbirds began hovering.....
And in this picture above some of these little pods are opening and ready for the taking....and not just by the hunningbirds...but other wonderful birds, too....Here below....An Oriole....
Now, the stalk and the flower pods are in full bloom....Below is a picture taken from below, looking up at the whole thing....
I think the stalk is now about 60 feet tall....Amazing! And below is a closer look at the very full top....
And then here below is another view of this magnificent "tree"....It is like a Flower Tree in a way.....
And because of all the very yummy necter that these flowers hold....the hummingbirds have been having the best time.....they come in pairs quite often and flit about, chasing each other, and then stop, to drink their fill.....
Sometimes there are four or five at one time....they move so fast that I have been lucky to catch them at all....I cannot get as close as I would like, but I've done pretty well....
And believe it or not, I actually have two of these fantastic flowering stalks in my garden...Both of them are the same type green Agave's....so the Hummingbirds flit from one to another.....
And one more dear little hummer, for today.....
There are a lot more where these come from, so I hope you all won't get tired of seeing these sweet little birds doing their thing.....
More To Come......
- had this to say:
I enjoyed seeing the growth of the agave. I've never seen anything like that and I'm amazed at the heighth. I would never get tired of seeing your pictures of the plants and animals. It's too bad that the beautiful plant's life comes to an end after this flowering.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 5:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow! Love all photos! It's great that you photographed the growing and metamorphosis process! Just wonderful view to the city! And stunning hummingbirds photos, too!
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 6:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
those pictures are amazing!
You get double the pleasure!A blooming tree-plant and all those fabulous hummingbirds!!- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 6:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Are you kidding? I could never get tired of seeing your garden and the wildlife in it!
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 7:50:00 AM PDT
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Beautiful photos of the plant and hummingbirds, which I love. In Arizona, I think that's the agave we call a century plant which does the same thing for its most spectacular event is the end of its life. I had never thought about this until seeing those photos about how different it is from other living things in life where old age is a slow going out-- not so for this plant.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 7:52:00 AM PDT
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Now THAT...is a gorgeous plant! And an Oriole?? Here in L.A.?! Who knew!!
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 8:12:00 AM PDT
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Where do I start! Wonderful, wonderful and most wonderful! What an extraordinary thing that flower stalk is - so much like a tree and so structural and beautiful. And the little hummingbirds are so gorgeous. This sight must be better than TV. I can see why you love watching them so much!
Thank you for sharing this with us. It really is an incredible sight and must be even more so from your balcony!- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 8:22:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Naomi, thank you once again, for sharing the glorious flowers and birds. They are very different than what we see in NY. Although, we also have many flowers and birds, but being stuck in an office all day rarely see any of what my world has to show off. Again thank you. Pat:)
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 8:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
I just realized where you live: in the GARDEN OF EDEN.
Where else could you take all those breathtaking, awesome photos you do of flowers and fauna, birds and felines?
Your garden is a therapy of sorts; hope you find it healing.- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 10:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Good Wednesday morning Naomi !
What a breath-taking view you have, and an outstanding hummingbird ! It is even more amazing that you can grow what you do, because you must have quite a slope for your back-yard !
No wonder the birds and bees and humming creatures proliferate -- you are geographically close to heaven !- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 11:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wonderful Hummingbird shots. Just wonderful!
~S- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 11:45:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Remarkable photos, Naomi. You really captured those hummingbirds SO well!
But even more remarkable is to watch the process of that plant as you documented it for it. Truly amazing!
I feel like this should be on a nature show. What an incredible plant that is! I've never seen anything like it!- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 1:48:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Very beautiful landscape and plants there. I've never seen hummingbirds myself. They look pretty even in the pictures. It must be a joy to watch them in real life.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 3:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Fantastic! I have never seen photos quite like these. A new fairy tale should be written about the stalk. Seriously.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 3:39:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Amazing show of changes and it is like watching a wonderful documentary about plant life and of course I am always fascinated with hummingbirds.
Btw, sorry for not visiting lately since I had this big problem that needs to be attended immediately- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 3:51:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You have hummmingbirds, sunshine and summer - and so well documented by your fantastic photos.
Here we have the Green Winter - but in the twolast weeks, we''ve hade the opportunity to meet some extrodinary bbloggere friends.
Hugs from
Norway- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 4:53:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The first few pictures certainly looks like asparagus and like our our Chinese bamboo shoots :)
What a lovely glorious day to just enjoy your beautiful pictures...thank you for your effort :D- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 6:05:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Thank you for your sweet words on our Chichi and Tiny passing this past week. It was hard to lose one, but then when the second passed, it was devastating. It's a good thing we have the beautiful outdoors to look out on and see renewal of life all the time.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 6:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a cool but freaky plant :) It must be cool watching it grow.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 8:24:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
My dear Naomi, thanks for your nice comment about my home! So sweet of you! Have a nice day!
- Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 9:52:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I cannot get over the growth of that agave. That was wonderful. What a neat idea to capture it like that. And the birds and hummers...just breathtaking! I know you really enjoy that garden of yours.
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 6:53:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I never tire of seeing hummingbirds! The agave stalk with all the flowers is quite amazing.
Once it dies, do you have it replaced?- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Holy Cow, Naomi! You are one great photographer!!!
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hummingbirds in flight.... AMAZING.
I did have a falcon on my garden fence last week though - I opened my curtain and there it was 'lunching' on some poor unfortunate rodent. It stayed there for a good few minutes before taking flight.... Breath-taking.
On a lesser note I have a regular hedgehog visiting my garden to finish off the catfood I leave out for the local cat.... Cute though definitely not cuddly [grin].
I doubt though if we'll ever have hummingbirds here though...!
Thanks for sharing....- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:27:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hummingbirds have long been my favorites and your captured photos of these precious birds enjoying the fruits of the Agave blossoms are priceless. As for the 60 foot tall Agave tree in your garden, I'm fascinated by the height it has reached and the blossoms that took so long to flower. Another amazing piece of mother nature's work in progress.
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
A visit to Wonderland! We are so lucky to see the wonder of your magic garden. I suspect you have a good head for heights. It really is a sight for sore eyes - a delight every where you look. Thank you Naomi.
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:43:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
That is SO cool. But I'm afraid you've made me hungry (giant asparagus) and given me garden envy at the same time. :)
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
These are lovely! It looks as if the plant has grown right up to your deck so you can enjoy the flowers and the birds "close-up"!
I had to take a short break from the boxes. It seems as if they multiply like rabbits! I have already hung some hummingbird feeders from the trees in our new yard.
I read some of the other posts as well and am amazed in particular by the photos of the orchids! Did you take those with a digital or did you have to scan them in from photos? They are all absolutely stunning!- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 10:39:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
To me it looks both exotic and romantic - a great 'the birds and the bees story (okay, hummingbird then:-)
What a lovely story through all the seasons as this plant develop. Yes, the nature is amazing and you documented it so well Naomi!- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 11:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Gorgeous as always, I wish I could see some hummingbirds in "real life" I have never seen one at all lol.
I finally did a wee post on my blog today, about time right lol.
Actually I have a couple of things I should post and I have not worked this week so I am nearly all caught up !- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 4:35:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Ohhhh WOW! I have SO been waiting for this! (this IS the plant that takes years and years to get to this point - and then dies - right? I mean I know you said it will die - but this doesn't DO THIS every year - right?) Only ONCE! Ever. And to think... I'm so excited over my ONE little hummingbird that visits my feeder many many times a day... but I only have one. You have SO many! WOW!
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 5:38:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
That's fantastic Naomi! What a documentation you have there. Brilliant. How amazing is that plant? No wonder the hummingbirds love it so much...
- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 5:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What an astonishing natural history of a beautiful piece of natural history! Amazing to watch the development... and the hummingbirds are gorgeous!
As always, when Michele sends me to you I am never disappointed!
N.- Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 7:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm here again- always a pleasure - this time from Michele's. I skipped the one above me as i didn't understand it. Something strange afoot! Your pictures sooth my spirit. It occurred to me yesterday what a lovely book this would make - just the pictures of your garden and the wild life and your reflections on them - quite apart from your fascinating life and memntoes - that would be another great book. How about it?
- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:30:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Michele sent me today. Wow, am I glad she did - I love humming birds - they're so magical, don't you think?
And your agave is amazing.- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 8:09:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
That's fantastic! Aren't you lucky. Say hi to the birdies for me please.
Joy
The Goddess In You- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 8:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me back to have another look at these incredible photo's! It really is an amazing spectacle. I so wish I could see it for myself.
I find myself trying to picture the size of this incredible flower with all the little hummingbirds flitting about it like tiny satellites. Amazing! :)- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 10:27:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
That is the most beautiful plant/tree. I cannot believe how big it got in such a short time. I was looking at the wrong thing when you talked about it's leaves & branches, then suddenly in 1 picture, it was like WOW!! There they are!
I love that plant. I've never heard of it before, but now will never forget it.
What will happen after it's season is over? Will it stay tall or die & regrow next year? This is really amazing, Naomi.- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 1:40:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
How beautiful!!!! such nice shots as always, I was surrounded by the alpine flora and fauna during the past 15 days and it's wonderful to see how nature is different all over but always beautiful. Will be coming back with more time but I wanted to say hello!
- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 1:53:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
That was so uplifting. Like a magic beanstalk fairytale. Such a nice progression with a wonderful ending! I was holding my breath as I scrolled.
The number two photo looks like a painting.- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 2:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Jason and I just a few minutes ago got his new wireless internet up and running. Yours is the first place we went to, and we enjoyed looking at these photos and saying, "WE SAW THAT!!!!"
HELLO little hummingbirds!!!
We enjoyed a lovely lunch meeting with Doug. I gobbled down a burger and thoroughly enjoyed every calorie. :-)
We'll see you tomorrow at 2:00.
I need to check email now since I haven't been online since Monday morning before my flight to CA.- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 6:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love seeing your pictures of the hummingbirds and that agave "flower tree" is absolutely stunning. Your cactus garden never ceases to amaze me.
- Friday, July 27, 2007 at 11:49:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Loved seeing the different stages of the flowering process. The pics of the hummers are absolutley great. I have a pair coming to my feeder, but have not gotten any good pics of them yet. Still trying.
- Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 9:37:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
That is amazing!! It DOES look like asparagus, and I love that, too. Sorry i've been MIA for so long, just had lots going on. I'm so happy you got a visit from a blog friend!!!!!! What a great thing, I wish I was closer to mine and that I could sit and chat like you did. I'm jealous!
- Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 12:12:00 PM PDT
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