Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird nectaring from a Black Twinberry Honeysuckle – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Black Twinberry Honeysuckles weren’t even in bloom quite yet yesterday in the Wasatch Mountains when I spotted this male Broad-tailed Hummingbird hovering near some to get nectar. I heard the hummingbird first, then saw a flash of color behind some of the leaves, aimed my lens at it, focused and fired away when the hummingbird came out into the open.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird at a Black Twinberry Honeysuckle – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I could wish that the background was cleaner but honestly I don’t mind it being the way it is. I don’t photograph hummingbirds at set ups, I only photograph them in natural settings in the wild so I have to expect some imperfect backgrounds in my photos at times.
It enjoyed being able to see and photograph this little male Broad-tailed Hummingbird as it hovered in front of the unopened flowers.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird backing up in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then through my viewfinder I saw the hummingbird backing up in flight and instantly realized that he was getting ready to land on the tiny twig in front of his feet. I kept firing shot after shot in a burst hoping to catch the moment those itty bitty, little toes and feet touched the twig.
Landing Broad-tailed Hummingbird by a Black Twinberry Honeysuckle – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And I did! In this photo we can see that the Broad-tailed Hummingbird’s toes and feet have just barely touched the twig and that he hasn’t grasped the twig tightly yet.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird male landing on a tiny twig – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In this image the hummingbird has closed his feet around the twig but hasn’t settled down onto the branch because his wings were still moving. I took one more photo after this one and then the Broad-tailed Hummingbird took off and flew away.
I am thrilled to have gotten this series of images and that the clouds stayed away long enough for me to get out into the field to enjoy a few hours of being immersed in nature.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wow! Just spectacular shots. Thanks Mia.
What an absolute beauty. And how I love the detail you gave us in this stunning series.
You were talking about the background being a little busy, but how lucky is that that the hummingbird has a clean area where the twigs end for a clean shot!
The third shot with his feet preparing for landing is my favorite. I will have to look again when I am home. The phone screen is too small.
There are a lot of hummers in St George area! I haven’t captured any good shots. They are always in the shadows. I found three nests. The first with 2 big babies, the second she must be sitting on eggs or new hatchlings. The third is a new nest under construction. I have a few photos, I don’t like to bother them even at a distance.
Saw a little blue humming bird this past week in Pittsburgh PA, It was joined by a baby robin who was being anxious about flying. We also have Bald Eagles in Hayes, Homestead PA