Landing male Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On May 24th, 2019 I wrote about how finding a favorite Broad-tailed Hummingbird perch was like striking gold and the reasons why. They were:
- 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.
After finding a new Broad-tailed Hummingbird favorite perch this year where I can pull over and not have to worry about traffic so much I have had a blast photographing the little male resting, preening, landing, lifting off and keeping an eye on his territory.
I’ve gotten several photos of him landing but I believe this one is my favorite because his tiny little feet haven’t touched his perch yet. The only thing that might have made it better for me is if his gorget had been lit up to show the incredible pinkish red iridescence.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird lifting off – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Being able to easily pre-focus on the perch has even allowed me to take lift off photos and that is a challenge because these little birds take off so fast that they can be gone in the time it takes to shoot one frame.
The favorite perch is only one part of the equation for taking images of these hummingbirds though it also helps to become familiar with their behaviors and the clues they exhibit when they are getting ready to lift off or being able to hear them flying in to their favorite perch.
The last time I was up near this perch I didn’t see the little male come in and land on it but not far from it I spotted a male Broad-tailed perched on a chokecherry branch, maybe the little guy has two favorite perches!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very cool, Mia
I think that focusing on the perch and being ready is the key to getting successful shots. Wellcaptured!
Excellent hummingbird photos! These are very well done – excellent clarity of the birds and great bokeh.
Simply amazing. Bird and photography both.
I have a hard time capturing the gorget color.
Exceptional!!