Broad-tailed Hummingbird Daydreams

I’ve been having Broad-tailed Hummingbird daydreams lately. I can’t wait to hear their tiny wing beats and chirps once again high in the Wasatch Mountains.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird male in a chokecherry tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

For several years due to the drought that affected blooming flowers and shrubs I didn’t have many opportunities with this species. Last year was better because of late winter and early spring moisture. The record breaking snow we have gotten in the Wasatch Mountains this winter those shrubs and wildflowers may cause a riot of flowers this spring.

More flowers on plants, shrubs, and trees means more chances for me to have Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in my viewfinder.

Adult Broad-tailed Hummingbird male in a chokecherry tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This Broad-tailed Hummingbird photo is the same as the first, I just cropped it horizontally instead of vertically. I like both presentations. Your tastes may differ.

Anyhow, back to my daydreams about these tiny flying jewels.

There is still tons of snow in the mountains that needs to melt before spring actually arrives in the high country. That fact hasn’t stopped me from thinking about these birds and how much joy they bring me when I see, hear, or photograph them.

I hope I have more chances to photograph them nectaring in flowers, perching, preening, and just being the small feathered bundles of happiness that they are. These little birds are fierce, territorial, active, and endlessly fascinating. They are also challenging to photograph and I like that. A lot.

This winter has kept me inside way too much and I am anxious for spring and these hummingbirds.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.