Two days ago, I was happy to photograph an adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird chirping. The male was reacting to another hummingbird near ‘his’ feeder.
Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird chirping – Nikon D500, f8, 1/250, ISO 1250, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I am not confused about this hummingbird’s gender; he is most certainly an adult male. I wrote ‘his’ the way I did because he has continuously claimed this feeder as his own.
He chases all the other hummingbirds away whenever he sees them. He’s actually a little tyrant about his feeder.
Once in a while, other hummingbirds visit the feeder and manage to get a sip of nectar, but only a sip before he swoops in like a tiny dynamo and forces them to fly off.
I took this image as a female or immature hummingbird approached the feeder, while the little male was giving a warning by chirping at them.
I’ve been trying to take photos of the female and young hummingbirds at the feeder, but this male is making it difficult because he is so territorial.
Very soon, all the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will be migrating out of the area. I’m running out of time with these little flying jewels.
I brought out my Nikon D500 to take photos of the hummingbirds for a bit, just so I don’t forget how to use it. Wow, that 500mm lens is heavier than I remembered!
Later in the morning, I switched over to the Canon R7 with the 100-400mm lens and was amazed by how much lighter it is.
Things are a bit slow bird-wise right now, but I’m okay with that. Migration will soon bring new birds my way, and I’m behind on sharing images and the stories behind them.
Maybe I will get caught up; maybe I won’t.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my hummingbird photos in their galleries.
Beautiful little tyrant!
Handsome gent, even if he is being a bit on the selfish side. (Let the ladies drink, buddy!)
He might be a tyrant but he is truly beautiful.