In this early fall, we mixed up some sugar water and set it out in the yard. We are hoping to see hummingbirds. We waited quietly in the cool morning. Suddenly — whirrrr — we heard the fast, tiny sound of wings. Two ruby-throated hummingbirds zipped in!

They hovered in the air. Their feathers flashing green and red in the sunlight. They dipped their beaks into the feeder for a sip, and then — whoosh — flew away.

About ten minutes later, they came back, sparkling in the sunlight. Every time we heard the quick flutter of their wings, we knew, aha, they’re here!