Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird giving me the eye from his favorite perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds show a preference in the perches that they use to rest, to keep an eye on their territories and once they select a favorite perch it can be like striking gold for a bird photographer.
Last year in a canyon in the Wasatch Mountains I knew of one Broad-tailed Hummingbird’s favorite perch where reliably I saw a hummingbird perched on it. When there wasn’t any other traffic on the road I could stop, and take photos of the little flying jewel as he perched, took off and landed back on it. If I heard another hummingbird flying close to the perch I could almost count on the male taking off to chase the other bird away. This photo was taken on May 30, 2018.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird watching a rival from his favorite perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This photo was taken on June 20, 2018 at the same favorite perch. While I can’t be 100% certain that is was the same male Broad-tailed Hummingbird I photographed that day chances are that it was if he was able to successfully defend his territory each time he was challenged. If it is a different male I think it is fascinating because he may have selected the same favorite perch to defend his territory. The perch has a great, open view of everything around it so that may be why it was selected.
For me as a photographer I love that the background is a gradient of greens from distant willows and that the bird stands out well from it. The perch is close to the edge of the road and I can have an unobstructed view of any bird perched there.
The one issue with this perch is that it is next to one of the narrowest sections of the road in that canyon and when another car approaches I have to move to allow the vehicle to get by. That means missed shots and constantly having to pay attention to other traffic moving up or down the road.
So far this year I haven’t seen a hummingbird on this perch but perhaps I will soon.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird on his favorite perch in a canyon – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This year I found a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird in another canyon in the Stansbury Mountains that certainly showed that it had a preference for a favorite perch and while I photographed it and the other hummingbirds in the area it went back to the same perch at least a dozen times. I can’t be certain it was always the same male each time though because there were several males in the area. If more than one male selected this specific perch it may have been because it was close to the food source but up high and far enough away to give a great, unobstructed view of the Wax Currant bush that the hummingbirds were getting nectar from.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird keeping on eye on his territory from his favorite perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This “favorite” perch was also in a location where if other traffic came up or down the road it was too narrow for both vehicles.
I would love to find a favorite Broad-tailed Hummingbird perch this year where the road is wide enough that I wouldn’t have to move my vehicle or impede traffic if I just stayed in one spot because then I could completely focus on getting images of the birds landing and taking off.
Why is finding a favorite perch so great?
- The hummingbirds can usually be found there reliably,
- When they have a favorite perch the best light angle and time of day to photograph them can easily be calculated,
- The opportunity for photographing them landing, taking off, snoozing or preening increases,
- There is also an increased chance of photographing a territorial dispute between two hummingbirds because they will defend their favorite perch.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are not the only hummingbirds that have favorite perches so finding their favorite perches would be a joy too.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love how you are able to capture the iridescent colors of these beautiful hummingbirds. We get a few hummingbirds in our backyard but my attempts to get a good pic have been futile. Of course, it might be the camera I’m using… which is a vintage 1970’s Kodak Instamatic. Then again, it could just be me. Wonderful pics Mia. Have a great Memorial Day.
Fantastic shots, Mia! Love seeing those colorful gorgets!
So very beautiful!!
Thank you Patty, have fun at the Lake!
Irridescent magic.
Thank you.
Thanks EC!
This is such a beautiful series!!! Each one is a gem!!!
Thank you Patty
I like the red branches in the background that compliment his red throat.as well as the greens. These are very nice photos of this handsome fellow. This post had me running to my field guide to see the difference between the Broad-tailed and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the latter of which is local to our area. Wonderful captures and impressive risk-taking on the road. I am going to a friend’s cottage in June and will keep an eye out for the favourite perches of their resident Hummingbird.
Jane, I should have mentioned that these are dirt/gravel roads that don’t get much traffic, it just seems like they get more traffic when I am on birds than when I am not! Thank you.