He only showed me this much iridescent color for an instant.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I’ve been seeing this male Broad-tailed Hummingbird for several weeks now in a Wasatch Mountain canyon. He rules the roost from this perch which allows an expansive view over his presumed breeding territory and I find him here as often as not as I drive by. Like most hummingbirds he’s an aggressive little rascal, chasing off intruders and then returning to the same perch. This photo was taken 10 days ago.
He usually sits there with his back to me so he can see down into the beautiful canyon in the background and that puts the sun at the wrong angle for many of his iridescent colors to show. But for this shot he had turned on his perch for just an instant which caused those colors to flash back at me, including most of his spectacular gorget. And to make it a more interesting pose he even raised his wings for me a little, which I appreciated.
The perch isn’t particularly close to the road so this is a fairly large crop and I think it shows in the image quality. But over several sessions on different mornings this is probably my best shot of him so I decided to share.
Ron
Note: I very rarely photograph hummingbirds at my feeder because I prefer my birds, of any species, in a natural setting. That of course severely limits my opportunities with them so when I do get a shot I like I appreciate it, even if it isn’t perfect. I hope that doesn’t sound elitist but I think we should all be allowed our preferences.
Well, I had to go to Sibley to see how the Broad-tailed differs from Anna’s. We don’t get the Broad-tailed here in Puget Sound, but it’s good to study the differences. By the way, I got a kick out of yesterday’s post on ambiguous illusions. Thanks.
Good. Glad you enjoyed the owl, Lyle. Thanks.
Good. Glad you enjoyed the owl. Thanks.
My mother told me excessive colour and sparkle was cheap and tacky. How wrong she was.
🙂
I needed some sparkle today — thank you! 😃
I think he’s got all you want, Marty…
Beautiful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
One of the most rewarding bird watching experiences I have had is to attend an Audubon Society sponsored Hummingbird Tagging and Count in Idaho several times. When the biologist have finished gathering their data and are ready to release the bird they ask people attending if they would like to assist. If you agree and I have more than once, they lay the bird on your open palm so that it is free to fly. Sometimes they leave immediately and sometimes they linger. If the temperature is low they might wait a few seconds. My description of this is “Being touched by an angel”. It is an amazing experience.
I’ll bet it’s very special, Betty. I’ve never had the opportunity.
You got the evil eye from that little feisty beauty…looks like a territorial dispute for sure with his wings back and his ‘chest’ puffed out! 😠
Who would think a half inch would make a difference? I’ve seen multiple pictures of this little fella on birding websites always thinking…another name for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird( which we have here in WI ) without checking it out. They look so similar but they definitely have variances that set them far apart once you see them side by side. Now I know never to be confused again!
I’m terrible at ID with some hummers. Kathy. Thankfully one of our most common is the Rufous and they’re easy, even for me.
You really captured the essence of the hummingbird for me.
Thank you, Arwen.
What a beautiful image!!! Hummingbirds are MAGICAL! Period! I hope I can get my feeders up soon, but it requires installing the hardware, which is just a little bit out of my physical reach. Gotta ask for help for that one. Sigh! But I’m ready with two feeders. I’m certain those two will multiply 😉
Good luck with your feeders, Laura. And with your hummers.
Beautiful shot! The raised wings and expression on his face make him look like he’s about ready to chase you off (as if you were closer than you were). I’m always amazed by how tiny birds don’t seem to be afraid of anything.
Yup, they’re almost fearless, especially during breeding season. Thanks, Susan.
Such a beautiful boy. Thanks for the day brightened!
While I honor your preferences, I hope one day you’ll feel inclined to do a series on your backyard, Ron. I feel we’d be dazzled!
Ha, I doubt it, Mary. Because of my back problems my back yard has been ignored and it shows.
Gorgeous little rascal for sure! 🙂 Such beautiful iridescent colors……….:) They certainly are feisty little devils 😉 Glad he cooperated!
Thank you, Judy.
Beautiful colors Ron. Your photo really shows them off. They are remarkable creatures to observe. We only put a feeder out for the winter and it is so interesting to watch the development of who will rule the feeder as various ones show up until finally the alpha male wins out. But then even though he wins out it does not stop the others from trying. We don’t use a heated one in the winter so I take it out early in the morning in semi darkness and that little guy is right there buzzing in my ear as I hang it up.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Sounds like your dominant male has lots of personality, Everett. But then don’t they all… Thanks.
Beautiful shot Ron, excellent color.
Thanks, Dick.
Beautiful photo of this beautiful feathered friend!
Thank you, Jerilyn.