We have a continuing drama at the hummingbird feeder these days. It's old hat for the hummingbirds to fuss at one another. . .
"This is MY feeder!"
But things have gotten a little more interesting. In one corner, we still have a hummingbird contender. . .
Fueling up in the evening.
But there is an interesting opponent fighting for dominance at the feeder. This critter crawls up the climbing rose bush that leans against the wrought iron post that the hummingbird feeder is hanging from.
"I'm big and I'm bad!"
Of course, the praying mantis doesn't drink from the hummingbird feeder. At least I've never seen it do so. I think the praying mantis likes to hang around the area because other bugs are attracted to the nectar in the feeder, essentially providing the praying mantis with a bug buffet.
This is one combative bug.
Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!
The hummer hovers around the praying mantis when it's on the rosebush, and kind of buzz bombs it. He's not happy about this big bug hanging around. However, at dusk yesterday when the hummingbird discovered the cheeky praying mantis actually ON the feeder, things really got interesting!
Hummingbird vs. Praying Mantis!
.
The hummingbird finally gave up and presumably went to rest for the night, leaving the praying mantis in possession of the feeder.
"Bwwaaaa haaaa haaaa! I'm still here! It's MINE I say, MINE!"
The praying mantis may have won the battle, but I doubt it has won the war.
There's always tomorrow.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Holy cow, he’s one cheeky mantis!
I’ve seen pictures where a very large mantis caught/killed a hummer.
I’ve wondered about that. Fortunately, I don’t think this particular praying mantis is big enough to get the job done. The hummers keep an eye on him just the same!