Recently I’ve spent four mornings photographing hummingbirds and sphinx moths as they fed on Rocky Mountain Bee Plant on Antelope Island. This morning I thought I’d present a rather diverse mix of Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbird images from those sessions.
1/3200, f/5.6. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Their time was divided up into three primary activities – feeding, resting and chasing away a variety of potential competitors like other hummingbirds, sphinx moths, butterflies and even bees. In most of the shots of them feeding their bill was buried in the flower umbel but this time I caught the bird as it pulled away.
1/2000, f/5.6. ISO 640. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Usually when they were resting they would choose a high perch and their posture suggested that they were extremely alert to other nectar-eaters that might come into the flower patch and compete with them for food.
1/3200, f/6.3. ISO 640. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But occasionally one would squat down on its perch and seem to relax. Here we see rhynchokinesis (flexibility of the bill tip) which is common in hummingbirds.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
A moment later the bird stuck out its long tongue for me.
1/5000, f/6.3. ISO 640. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Occasionally I was able to get a shot with the bird mostly isolated from the flower and with a relatively clean background but it didn’t happen very often.
1/3200, f/6.3. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This individual stood out because of four white streaks in the plumage on its forehead – here we can see two of them.
1/4000, f/6.3. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The Rufous Hummingbirds were the most colorful species at the patch.
1/4000, f/6.3. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As they often do this one looked grumpy as it rested on its perch. Perhaps the black speck on top of its bill had something to do with it. I was pretty sure I knew what it was…
1/4000, f/6.3. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and a large crop of the same image confirmed it. It’s one of several species of “no-see-ums”, tiny, annoying and often biting insects that are common on the island. They make me grumpy too.
Lots of pollen is also evident on the bill and forehead.
1/3200, f/6.3. ISO 500. Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
One of the problems with photographing hummingbirds at these very large flower clusters is getting the flower sharp. Camera settings that allow enough shutter speed to freeze the motion of the bird often don’t provide enough depth of field to get the entire flower crisp. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to make as I’d rather have the shutter speed to mostly freeze the motion of the wings than to have a sharp flower and blurry wings. It’s just a matter of taste I guess…
I haven’t been able to photograph these birds for several days now because of dreary, rainy weather (as I type these words I hear the continuing deluge out my window). I’m hoping to get a few more chances with them before they’re gone for the winter.
Ron
Wow, wow and wow. I would be happy to take some of the rain away from you since we are only getting incontinent pigeon rain (splat, splat and it is gone). I need the rain AND would benefit from seeing more of your photographic magic and glee.
I would happily buy and frame several of these, Ron. Simply gorgeous. I love the hummer on the perch where you can see the tiny specks of color on the wings.
All I can say is “OUT OF THIS WORLD”! These shots are terrific!! However, that particular “no-see-um” on the end of the bill I’m sure is an annoyance. Biting insects are always a problem to anyone outdoors!
Ron, wonderful series of these flying jewels! Hopefully, we’ll see a few of them during migration. Great photographs!
What an amazing series of this beautiful species. I had no idea that they had such big tongues! And the close up of the beak with the tiny insect is jaw dropping. Thank you!
You do a great job of capturing the personalities of hummingbirds. I like all of these shots. It is surprising to me that you still have any hummers because in my experience they head south around the middle of August. I’m glad they’re staying around for you.
Susan, these shots were all taken August 14-18 so the hummers could be thinning out by now, especially since it turned colder. I could see snow on the top of the Wasatch when the sun came up this morning.
Beautiful hummingbird shots.
Thank you, Jenny.
What an amazing series!!! I love the first one with those tiny feet wrapped around that skinny twig, the tough, alert , ready to attack stance…such tough, feisty little guys( and gals…who as hard-working mammas are probably the toughest of them all!). In the last frame , the detail is so sharp, you can even see bits of pollen on the wings…all shots, close ups included, are prize wiiners…love them all! You are an awesome photographer/educator!
Thanks for those very kind words, Patty.
Beautiful as always! You inspire me! Thanks for sharing your talent.
And thank you, Delores.
Between the iridescence and the tongue detail, you have my brain humming – better than a cup of coffee, and much healthier for me! Thanks so much, Ron…
Alison, We had a storm come in last night and the thunder woke me up at 2:30 AM. I’ve been up ever since so without my coffee this morning I’d have been toast. My goal was to make it until dawn without a nap… Thank you.
What a wonderful look at these beautiful little beauties! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks very much, Charlotte.