Ruby-Throated
Keeping a Tiny Eye On You
This ruby-throated hummingbird paused for an instant stare down.
This image was taken in August of 2012 through the window to my back yard. That was back when I had a less capable camera (Sony SLT-A55V). I happened across some files from this shoot and decided to try and process one of the shots I had neglected back then.
I spent a good deal of time that year trying to capture hummingbirds up close. It was a daunting task – they are so small and move so fast – but I managed to get a few good shots. (Out of thousands of attempts.) Experimentation, patience and perseverance can pay off.
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All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me (pops@popsdigital.com) for digital purchase and licensing options.
Short Stuff
This cute rascal is a Ruby-throated hummingbird. A tiny, zippy bird that is one of my favorites…and most challenging to photograph. This particular one seems to be a short, stocky gal – but she wears it well, don’t you think?
I believe the hummingbirds that have entertained us this year have flown south for the winter. We haven’t seen one for a week or so.
To see a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Pretty Boy
Her Best Side
Boastful
This male, Ruby-throated hummingbird was showing off for me. I love it when the light hits their gorget just right and you get a flash of that iridescent, ruby-red color they derive their name from.
For bonus points…
gor·get (gôrjt)
n.
1. A piece of armor protecting the throat.
2. An ornamental collar.
3. The scarflike part of a wimple covering the neck and shoulders.
4. A band or patch of distinctive color on the throat of an animal, especially an area of brightly colored feathers on the throat of a bird.
Click on the image to see a larger image and those brightly colored feathers on the throat in greater detail.
The Breakfast Club
During the few summer months at our rural Wisconsin home, it’s common to hear a distinctive humming sound. If you glance out the window, you’re likely to spot ruby-throated humming birds zipping back and forth, to and fro – competing for a few seconds at the best seat in the house.
I call this “The Breakfast Club” because this group – all females – were photographed around 6 am.
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Enigma on Wings
I spent some time the other day taking my first hummingbird photos of the season. This is a female, ruby-throated hummingbird looking straight at the camera. The wings are just a blur.
To get this unique look, I took all the color out of the original image, added a bit of sepia tone and then a texture effect.
To get a better view, click on the image for a larger version.
Humdinger
hum·ding·er/ˈhəmˈdiNGər / Noun: A remarkable or outstanding person or thing of its kind.
There’s little that compares to the dazzle of a male ruby-throated humming bird when the light hits it just right. If you’re able to watch one while he’s perched, you’ll see flashes of brilliant red with just a slight turn of his head.
Even though the sunlight is coming more from behind this bird, I used a shiny surface to reflect some of that sunlight to the front side, bringing out the colors of his gorget (the neck area).
(Click the image to see a larger version.)
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.