It’s been such a busy summer that I haven’t really gotten the camera out in the yard much. The camera traps, of course, are working 24/7 but I haven’t been out there myself very often with the long lens. So this weekend I did a lot of walking around trying to find a few of my wild neighbors. In my garden I encountered this ruby-throated hummingbird flying from zinnia to zinnia. The lack of the ruby throat indicates either an immature male or a female. I’m pretty sure this is the latter. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1800, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.
Thanks Michael. All handheld. The nice thing about hummingbirds, no matter how fast their wings are flapping, they stop mid air every now and again, making focusing easy for a few shots before they dart off. Generally, I’d use a flash to freeze the action on hummingbirds rather than shutter speed, but I was just walking around looking for subjects.
Yes, it is a female. Juvies have dark spots on the throat. My hummer couple this year had 2 juvies. It’s been a lot of fun to see such activity in my backyard. Males migrate in August. Last year the female along with 1 juvie left the day before the first frost!
Thanks Rachel. Good info. Didn’t know the males migrate come August. Next year I’ll have to put feeders out. We avoid all bird feeders from April through November due to our bear activity.
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It’s been such a busy summer that I haven’t really gotten the camera out in the yard much. The camera traps, of course, are working 24/7 but I haven’t been out there myself very often with the long lens. So this weekend I did a lot of walking around trying to find a few of my wild neighbors. In my garden I encountered this ruby-throated hummingbird flying from zinnia to zinnia. The lack of the ruby throat indicates either an immature male or a female. I’m pretty sure this is the latter. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1800, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.
1/1000 of a second and perfect focus. Great shot Sean with or without tripod.
Thanks Michael. All handheld. The nice thing about hummingbirds, no matter how fast their wings are flapping, they stop mid air every now and again, making focusing easy for a few shots before they dart off. Generally, I’d use a flash to freeze the action on hummingbirds rather than shutter speed, but I was just walking around looking for subjects.
Beautiful shot, Sean!
Thanks Sue.
Knowing how rapidly they flutter their wings, I am amazed you were able to catch this shot!
Wings are fast, but the bird itself stops in mid air for a second or two before darting off.
Yes, it is a female. Juvies have dark spots on the throat. My hummer couple this year had 2 juvies. It’s been a lot of fun to see such activity in my backyard. Males migrate in August. Last year the female along with 1 juvie left the day before the first frost!
Thanks Rachel. Good info. Didn’t know the males migrate come August. Next year I’ll have to put feeders out. We avoid all bird feeders from April through November due to our bear activity.
Very Impressive shot, even if they do stop for a second in mid-flight!! They are so so fun to watch.