Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird hovering in front of blooming Black Twinberry Honeysuckle – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had more fun photographing Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in the Wasatch Mountains yesterday morning, probably more fun than should be legal. I’ve been able to locate a few perches that are favorites for the males which I mentioned in a previous post is like finding gold for me as a bird photographer. One male Broad-tailed Hummingbird hangs out on a favorite perch near a creek and for now he feeds on nearby blooming Black Twinberry Honeysuckle blossoms. Whether he will hang around after those wildflowers finish blooming remains to be seen. He defended his territory several times as I photographed him yesterday morning.
Female Broad-tailed Hummingbird perched in blooming Black Twinberry Honeysuckle – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But when a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird showed up he didn’t try to chase her away instead he put on an aerial display for her as she perched near the honeysuckle and fed on the nectar. I can’t say whether she was impressed by his courtship or not because after she finished feeding she flew off.
I’ve only photographed two Broad-tailed Hummingbird females so far this year and one was so close I didn’t have the depth of field I would have liked.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird male landing on his favorite perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then I spent time taking photos of this male Broad-tailed Hummingbird and his favorite perch further down the dirt road. I was delighted that the angle of light lit up his colorful gorget when he landed while facing towards me. He flew in so fast that there were times when kept my camera pre-focused on the perch and took my eyes away from the viewfinder to watch for his approach. His wings made more noise taking off than when he was landing so I felt that seeing him was better than listening for him to arrive.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird showing his colorful gorget – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Sometimes that worked and sometimes having my eye on the viewfinder worked better. I can say that by the time I left this hummingbird’s favorite perch my arms and fingers were exhausted from holding my camera for such a long time and having my finger on the shutter button constantly.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
WOW! Ypu sure caught the iridescence!!! Beautiful series?..love these winged gems..
The Hummingbirds and their backgrounds are very nicely done. Nice focus, nice bokeh.
It seems to me that a hummingbird’s wings must beat 8 billion times a second; yet you were able to capture them in full flight with near perfect clarity. That’s amazing! What’s also amazing is that a hummingbird can survive in the wild for more than 12 years. Thanks Mia.
ABSOLUTE stunners.
Mia,
You can never have toooo much fun enjoying nature! The first image of the male is superb ..the best I have seen of the species. Keep having fun and thank you for sharing your joy with us.
Delightful post! So glad you’ve found these favorite perches.
Such a beautiful bird & amazing series of shots.
Beautiful bird, gorgeous images!