Hummer Season in Last Three Weeks

In mere hours we pass into September and with it the last days of our hummingbird season. I am long accustomed to seeing these flying jewels abandon us in the middle- to late part of the month. They have been easily visible at every nectar feeder and there are enough birds around to ensure typical hummer conflict at each one. The pictured bird is the dominant female and she's always on patrol ready to drive off interlopers -- who I suspect are her own progeny! All this activity almost makes me take them for granted. But I'm on guard. As we dodge tropical storms and hurricanes we must also appreciate the fleeting time left to enjoy our summer treasures.