Thanks BN. I think you're right. I thought it looked different from the regular ruby-throated females I photographed in Summer.

I just came across your post and wondered if you still have the 3 mason bee houses? Your photo of them is interesting. Do you have any problems with housing the bees near your garden as far as being stung?

Can you blame the bee for trying to kick him off? Who likes to be "bugged" while trying to have dinner? ;) BTG

What you want to do is put a trellis fence around the hive so the bees fly above human height. We have 3 hives in our backyard and have done this. They really fly up and out of the human height area. I will take a picture tomorrow to post. You can also plant a vine on the trellis to make it pretty. You also want to make sure you have water available for them in the area so they do not go to neighboring pools, etc. I put a brick in the base of a large flower pot (12 inches in diameter) and they flock to the brick and drink.