Low light Rufous Hummingbird – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Today is National Hummingbird Day and I am celebrating by sharing some Rufous Hummingbird photos I took earlier this week on Antelope Island. It was very smoky that morning so the light was low but this hummingbird was very active and I wasn’t about to pass up photographing this flying jewel while it was in front of me.
Rufous Hummingbird hovering on a smoky morning – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It is fall migration time for hummingbirds and the Rocky Mountain Bee Plants found on the island help to fuel these tiny birds as they head south for the winter. They have long flights ahead of them.
Rufous Hummingbird, bee plant and ants – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The nectar the Rufous Hummingbirds find in the bee plants gives them the energy they need to migrate to their wintering grounds. Typically my best opportunities to photograph Rufous Hummingbirds comes during fall migration.
Rufous Hummingbird on a very smoky morning – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As summer comes to an end I will be sad to see all of the hummingbirds I find and photograph in Utah during their breeding season and fall migration leave. I also know that I will be anxious for their return in the spring.
Female/immature Rufous Hummingbird at a bee plant – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Every time I see, hear, and photograph hummingbirds they bring me joy and I am grateful for the moments I have with them.
Happy National Hummingbird Day!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rufous Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
A wonderful collection to celebrate the occasion. We are awaiting the arrival of our Ruby-throated hummers here in south Florida. When we lived in New Mexico the southbound Rufous Hummingbirds arrived very reliably around July 4th. They avoided us in the spring to follow their circular migration route.
These are beautiful photos. Driving down to St George today the landscape is covered with blooming sunflowers and cleome, stunning sight! I will miss releasing the four weathering hummingbirds at my home, Haley will have to care for them and release them while I am down south. May they thrive and return another year.
Breathtakingly Beautiful Mia! These are fansastic!!
Exquisite. Hummers are yet another of your birds that I envy.
Wonderful tribute to these hummers on their special day.
Wow!