Autumn migration is underway for hummingbirds, and for Pennsylvania that means the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Consequently, I have many and excellent opportunities to photograph them. Of course it helps to have a pollinator garden and/or a hummingbird feeder. I have both.
In terms of pollinator plants, I find that bee balm flowers are tops on the list in terms of hummingbird preference. Note: Thus far I have seen/photographed females and immatures, which means no ruby throat. Even so, any hummingbird is beautiful.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b0402-hummer-balm-1aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C408&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b0419-hummer-balm-1aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C408&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b0436-hummer-balm-1aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C408&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b0458-hummer-fly-1aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C418&ssl=1)
The next photo is only a partial of a hummingbird, but I like the reaction to the silver-spotted skipper.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b0465-hummer-skip-balm-1aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C441&ssl=1)
Butterfly bush flowers are also a favorite.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b1198-hummer-sit-18aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b1225-hummer-see-bb-18aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C370&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b1272-hummer-bb-19aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C389&ssl=1)
Once the bee balm flowers have faded, a feeder becomes the next favorite choice.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookoutnow.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/b1353-hummer-port-19aug2023.jpg?resize=640%2C563&ssl=1)
The hummingbird feeder appeared small to me when I first put it out; however, once a hummingbird is sitting on a perch, the feeder appears tremendous.