Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on the move here in Maine, beginning their long trek southward. This year was an odd year for Hummingbirds. After arriving very late, only two pair made our property their residence this year. Compared to past years when 10 – 15 hummers kept us on our toes filling feeders nearly everyday, this year we had to look long and hard to find them.
I am happy to report that both pairs of Hummingbirds fledged two youngsters each, doubling our population. Over the last several days, hummers from afar are stopping by and filling themselves with nectar, while our resident hummers are defending “their” feeders. On Saturday, while filling feeders, I was surprised to see hummers zipping around everywhere bringing back memories of seasons past.
All too soon, these beautiful jewels will be gone. We will have to wait through a long and cold winter, and much of the spring, before their beauty will grace our yards and feeding stations again. As I found the time between my studies, I photographed the Hummingbirds that called our home their home for a brief period of time. It will be sad to see them go, but I know they will return one day bringing a smile to our faces once again with their antics and aerial acrobatics.
All photos taken with a Canon 7D and a Canon 400mm f/4 L IS lens. Simply click a thumbnail for a full-sized view.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female) in flight
Happy birding!
{ 13 comments }
Another gorgeous shot! — Was looking at some of your others this morning.
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Lovely Shot!
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Very nice. I've been working on in-flight hummers the last couple weeks. Great lighting like you have here helps!
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We've had some Anna's hummingbirds spend the winter here. A couple of years ago one even stuck around after a 15" snowstorm! Lately, they seem to come and go.
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Beautiful shot John!
Sorry about your Car..might get another group together in Sept..will keep u posted.
Excellent pictures John… Wow even wonderful!
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a stunning photo of the hummingbird.
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Beautiful shot John, as usual. These jewels of the sky are captivating aren't they?
It has been a strange hummingbird season for us also. We didn't have as many pairs as usual nesting nearby and then we had several weeks with no more than 3 or 4 birds. This after keeping six feeders full everyday for months.
They are starting to reappear on the way back South. I spotted our first Rufous Hummingbird returning just days ago. I look forward to filling up the feeders again
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Gorgeous image. Look at those black wings!
Wonderful post with an awesome photo!
Beautiful shot of the hummer. I will keep my feeder filled to look out for the migrating humming birds.
Stunning photo. Wow.
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http://memorizingnature.com/2010/08/15/the-bird-s…
Incredible! The background really provides the perfect setting to highlight the colors of the hummingbird.
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