Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird landing in a stiff breeze – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I spent some time in the Wasatch Mountains where it went from a slight breeze to gusty to outright windy and everything in between. That meant some of the smaller birds stayed hidden from me because they sought shelter from the winds but there were a few that I was able to see through my viewfinder including a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
I saw that the Golden and Wax Currants are in full bloom in the canyons and because I know that their blossoms draw in the hummingbirds I was watching for them near every bush. I saw quite a few, heard even more of them and I was able to take a few photos too.
I did have a few problems focusing because of the wind and strong breezes. After seeing this male Broad-tailed Hummingbird on this upright serviceberry branch I knew that chances were high that he would come back in and land on it again so I pre-focused on the perch and listened for him to arrive. The wings of male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds make a distinctive sound and I use that to determine when they are getting near a specific perch and when they get close I start photographing in burst mode.
The problem? The upright branch was bouncing around in the strong breeze so quickly I wasn’t sure I’d be able to obtain sharp images of the little male Broad-tailed when he landed. That branch was moving so much it almost made me feel seasick and I didn’t get seasick onboard a ship in 40 foot waves on the open ocean that lasted for more than 12 hours!
But my focus was right on the money and I did get a sharp photo of the male Broad-tailed Hummingbird as he landed. His tiny toes still haven’t grasped the top of the branch in this image.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird perched in strong breeze – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The male hummingbird didn’t stay on the perch long because the strong breeze was buffeting him back and forth. That branch must have been moving at least a foot to the right and then jerking back to the left. I’m not sure if the hummingbird was getting dizzy but I felt like I might be while I kept my camera in burst mode.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird taking off in a strong breeze – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the male Broad-tailed Hummingbird had had enough of getting bounced around he took off in a hurry with the wind fluffing up his upper chest feathers and the right side of his colorful gorget.
The white feathers underneath his tail feathers confused me at first until I realized that they were his undertail coverts being displaced by the strong breeze.
The breeze in the canyon was drying out my eyes and I knew that my chances of getting more sharp images of this male Broad-tailed Hummingbird were slim so I left to head home.
Calling Broad-tailed Hummingbird male – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In my title I mentioned a “Favorite Perch”. The upright serviceberry branch the male Broad-tailed Hummingbird used might be familiar to some of you who read what I share here daily and that is because I photographed at least one individual male Broad-tailed Hummingbird and a House Wren on it last year.
This photo shows a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird calling from that same perch last June. At the time I photographed him he was letting another hummingbird know from his calls that they were getting too close to his territory.
Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird showing his tongue – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And in this image, also taken last June, the male Broad-tailed was showing his long tongue.
I can’t say for certain that the male Broad-tailed Hummingbird I photographed yesterday is the same individual that I photographed repeatedly last year but some hummingbirds do show a preference for specific locations and have been known to return to them year after year. So it could be the same bird. Or it might not be. The only way I could be 100% positive about that is if the little guy had color bands on his tiny legs but as a photographer I am glad he doesn’t.
What I do know for certain is that this perch is a favorite for one or more male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and that I am always delighted to photograph them on it while they are here in northern Utah for their breeding season.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
To view more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
What an amazing series.
I DO suffer from sea sickness (and motion sickness more generally) so I am grateful that your tummy and equiptment was more than up to this challenging job.
Marvelous pics! I love your narrative. It’s hard to imagine how difficult it must be for hummingbirds [and photographers] to navigate in such gusty winds. The iridescence of the hummingbird is beautiful. Thanks Mia.
It is amazing these little birds survive harsher weather. Great photos and color on the gorget.
Such a fun and colorful way to start my morning today! I especially like the takeoff shot and the “Bronx Cheer.” 🙂