for another HUMMINGBIRD post! I'd like to promise this will be the last one, but if I capture a hummer eating an insect and it's a good shot...well...it'd be a must-post situation. You'd do the same, right?
Apparently, we have a pair of these ruby-throats living primarily in the large crepe myrtle tree in the backyard. Once I figured out where they were coming from, I hatched a scheme that to some may be a little devious: playing hummingbird sounds from
All About Birds' web site on my iPhone. It's kind of like the neighbor kid knocking on your door, then running away. Mr. Ruby comes out, scours the area, then flies back into the safety of the branches. So maybe it's a little unfair on my part, but my brain is bigger than theirs allowing me to get the upper hand. Besides, it caused no harm. (If there is harm in it, please tell me because I wouldn't want to hurt these precious little birds.)
Round III:
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Finally! Decent light and he came to the feeder closest to me, about 10' away.
(see enlarged for best viewing) |
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I think he likes the homemade sugar water.
(see enlarged for best viewing) |
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| Unfortunately, for these next shots I used AIServo instead of Spot Focus. I was trying everything to get the best shot. Obviously, this wasn't the way to go. Especially since he was being so still for me as I played the bird sounds. |
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| The male is trying his darndest to figure out where those phantom hummingbirds are! |
P.S. A HUGE thank you to all who offered encouragement and suggestions on my real estate post. Y'all rock!!!
43 comments:
your opening line made me laugh. NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY! good gosh, those first couple are just PERFECT!
now, you might need to apologize to the hummers for fake-speak.
I never tire of hummingbird photographs, and yours are just beautiful Gail!
Laughing here...!!! I don't think you are doing harm with your iPhone. Your pictures are great!
Those are excellent! Especially the first two. Great job! We'll look at more if you have them! :)
Yes, I'd be the same! these pics are awesome and you are very lucky to have these beautiful birds nearby. I'm glad you've shared them for us to see :)
I never get tired of seeing these beautiful hummingbirds. I find it amazing that you are able to take such beautiful pictures of the little fellas. They are so quick!
I've done a lot of catching up today..great pictures of the home and the horses...always enjoy your post..
Shug
Gorgeous shots! I'm still working on my settings but you've got it down! Keep ' em coming.
These are just perfect and don't you dare consider not posting anymore hummingbird shots...especially if they're anything like these.
Congrats on some fantastic shots! You're right, the light was great! I'm resigned to seeing hummingbirds in other people's photos. Ours have been visiting too infrequently. Nice job, Gail!
No apology needed, I love you sharing these photos with us. I have managed to get a few of the bee-eaters, not as close as these but I will share soon. Also thanks so much Gail for the follow on my photography blog, the support is appreciated.
don't apologise, these shots are so wonderful!
Why not use recorded bird calls to attract these little sweeties! I think bird-watchers do that. I've never even heard a hummingbird's voice!
Don't be sorry....I'm just sorry that I don't have any of these beautiful birds in my gardens...or else I would be doing my best to get some captures as beautiful as these are. You are so very talented!! And you are quite welcome on the other....all will go according to plan.
These are beautiful captures Gail! Keep 'em coming.
I don't think I could tire of hummingbird photos. They're such pretty little birds and hardly ever seen around here. Beautiful shots :)
Those pics of hummingbirds are so great. I am glad you have given us many. HBs so cute. You have good sharp images.
Amazing pictures. Maybe if you decide not to take the real estate job you can find one as a bird photographer; they are wonderful!
(And I need a new camera and some new talent!)
Oh I hope it's not the last one! I just love your hummingbird shots!
I'm impressed by your tenacity! Hope you keep "trying" to get that perfect shot because we, your humble followers, are the winners!
Love these photos; post hummingbird photos every day!
As far as using the bird call...smart!
Those first shots are just magical Gail, perfect light, background and focus - spot on.
OH. MY! What incredible photos!! Don't stop! How can one get tired of such amazing creatures?!
Love these shots Gail, the first is just amazing.
omg, no apologies, please. These are really beautiful images, such clarity. You just keep snapping and we will just keep admiring!!
I will never get tired of your hummingbird shots. I love them. They really do look amazing my friend..
Hugs~
I'm so happy you shared these awesome captures at Rural Thursday this week, Gail. Pure perfection. xo
I say keep the pictures coming, I adore hummers and you have captured them so well. You tease you!!! I bet the one that has claimed your feeder has his, is going nuts trying to find those that are intruding on his territory.
Your photos of the hummingbirds are amazing!! The lighting, the speed, all perfect!! Lovely - very lovely!!
You give us gorgeous photos to ooooh and ahhhh over and you apologize? Silly woman! They're wonderful photos. And I sure do hope you'll post more when you snap them.
I have no idea for real but my thought about the hummingbird calls luring them out is that they might be investigating a distress or mating call. They might be on higher alert than they are ordinarily. I am probably way off and it's more than likely totally benign, but that's what crossed my mind and I figured I'd share.
Your photos are just brilliant.
Keep them coming, Gail! I never get tired of seeing them.
♥charlotte
You're too funny. I never would have thought to manipulate them like that. :) These are great and I love looking at them. I only have a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 to get close. Sometimes I use the 80-200 f/2.8, but I can't get the reach. You have great light too. Keep them coming!
Oh, for my macros, I have one lens, an 18-50mm f/2.8 Sigma EX Macro. It's been a great little lens. I use it and the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 75 percent of the time. I use the Sigma most because it's so versitile for daily shooting. I use the 80-200mm f/2.8 the other 25 percent of the time during football season.
Please don't apologize! Fab shots - that first one is stunning!
these are all so beautiful
I could see these funny, sweet, pretty guys all the time :)
Wow Gail keep them coming! I love these little guys and you capture them so well!
Ahhhmazing shots, Gail, seriously! I love how crisp they are.
I'm wondering why blogger doesn't offer some kind of help... they have to know there's problems w/ their 'product'!
I hadn't ran across the problem you've described w/ changing your header photo... Have you asked TexWisGirl? She always helps me. Are you on google+? When I was getting a similar message trying to post pics to my blog, someone suggested joining google+ cuz there's no limit to posting, so I joined & we'll see how long it lasts, altho, I don't particularly care for google+ & just don't get it.
Some people don't include the follow widget on their blogs & there's a couple of blogs that post several times a day & it fills my dashboard w/ their posts & I'm having to sift thru theirs to see posts from others... I have to intentions of 'un'following your blog, no way, no how! LoL! =)
ps bring on more hummingbird pics, they're beautiful & so interesting & you shoot them fantastically!!! =)
You can post as many hummingbird shots as you like ... I'll never tire of them. Your photos are PERFECT! Just perfect!
These are beautiful. I would never get tired of them!!
Yes...for the drink of water gang!
Hi there - the only problem you cause by posting another humming bird post is that it makes those of us who live in "hummer free states" very jealous!
The use of sound to lure birds in is a standard practice - they only thing I would suggest is that you dont do it for too long in one day as the bird may spend more time than it needs too looking to the intruder and not enough time feeding.
Cheers - Stewart M
PS: These images would look great on World Bird Wednesday!
These birds are handsome.
These are all incredibly beautiful shots! I've never heard of attracting them with sounds - I think it's a fantastic idea and obviously works!
I love these...and what a clever idea to use a recording. And no apologies needed for posting these precious little birds!!! :)
Btw: Thank you for your sweet comments way back when (it seems like forever has passed). I just use the standard recipe...1 c. sugar to 1 qt. water. And...I have a hummingbird feeder for you. I finally found my hummer magnet (I thought it was discontinued), so I bought two. I only need one as a "just in case" replacement...since you like hummers, I'd love to give you the other one. Just email me your address, and I'll pop it in the mail. :)
Gorgeous photos...Birds and Blooms is holding their annual contest, you could win!
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