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Monday, September 22, 2014

Blessed

Last week I made a quick dash to the local arboretum with the express purpose of photographing butterflies. Instead, I was blessed with a female ruby-throat who guarded her patch of flowers tenaciously. She was so obsessed with protecting her territory that I don't even think she noticed me, since I stood a mere 5 feet from her perch. Below are shots of her preening. I have many more. Oh, so many! I thank God for this beauty and for the opportunity to click to my heart's content.


I know I'm behind in visiting. For whatever reason I cannot seem to get back into the blogging routine which is why I don't like to take breaks. If any of you are on Facebook, please connect with me there (see my badge on the sidebar). Thank you for your patience as I slowly get around to making visits.

Sharing with Anni at


And also Stewart at
Wild Bird Wednesday

This post was chosen by Hilary at The Smitten Image for her Phine Photography category. Thank you, dear girl!!! I am honored.


65 comments:

  1. Hootin AnniSeptember 22, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    Absolutely incredible Gail.

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  2. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    Wow...stunning. These are breath taking captures - the details and colours are sensational!

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  3. Author R. Mac WheelerSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    amazing shots

    I'm in awe

    -your fanatical, stalking follower
    cue weird music

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  4. RoanSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:42 AM

    Amazing! I think our hummers are on their way south. Haven't seen one at the feeder in a few days.

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  5. Bethany CarsonSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    Oh wow! I love how you capture so much detail in her feathers!

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  6. UnknownSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:25 AM

    What an incredible opportunity and amazing images - wow!

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  7. IrmaSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:56 AM

    Hi Gail,
    Wow, what an incredibly beautiful pictures.
    I am completely speechless.
    I wish you a beautiful new week.
    Greetings Irma

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  8. nookwormSeptember 22, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!

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  9. Amy BurzeseSeptember 22, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    Gail, ditto all above. Simply beautiful and your photography skill is evident.

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  10. TexWisGirlSeptember 22, 2014 at 8:53 AM

    fantastic shots! wow!!!!!

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  11. rainfield61September 22, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    In action or not, you always manage to have all these feathered friends sharp in focus.

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  12. DeniseinVASeptember 22, 2014 at 9:49 AM

    Wow! Wow! Wow! 5ft? Fantastic photos Gail. What an incredible beauty!

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  13. DebbieSeptember 22, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    they are gorgeous gail!! my thoughts exactly, how lucky are we!!

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  14. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2014 at 11:32 AM

    Wow - stunning shots! Well done.

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  15. Ruth HiebertSeptember 22, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    WOW!!! Gorgeous shots.

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  16. JeanneSeptember 22, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    Magnificent!!

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  17. SusanSeptember 22, 2014 at 12:47 PM

    What a beautiful blessing! Hummingbirds are magnificent jewels, I adore them. Lovely photos, Gail!

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  18. Evelyn S.September 22, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    Again...this is such an amazing photo, Gail! Actually, both photos are amazing, but that first one is unlike any hummer image I've seen before. As for visiting, I'm so far behind I think I'm ahead!

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  19. you-wee becauseSeptember 22, 2014 at 1:52 PM

    Perfect shots, Gail. The first one is award-worthy!

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  20. Brian KingSeptember 22, 2014 at 2:46 PM

    Awesome shots! Love the fan! I do believe ours are gone for the year. I haven't seen any in a few days.

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  21. EG CameraGirlSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    WOW! Unbelievable!

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  22. StephanieSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Oh my, oh my, OH MY! Gail, these are the prettiest Hummingbird pictures I have seen - amazing!!

    Thinking of you! Hugs

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  23. PantherkaSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    Stunning shots ... amazing.

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  24. Inspired By JuneSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:25 PM

    As a photographer, I want to be like you when I grow up. A camera in your hands is pure magic, my friend! Wow! You inspire me!

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  25. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    I love. The way she spreads her tail feathers to preen. Lucky you to be so close.

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  26. Hootin AnniSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    I know I'm here under Hootin' Anni's blog admin...but I wanted to stop by again and send along my thanks for your linking up this week at I'd Rather B Birdin'

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  27. HilarySeptember 22, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    Gayle, these are probably the finest hummingbird images I've ever seen. You have captured some amazing beauty here. Fabulous! I'm so impressed.

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  28. HilarySeptember 22, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    And I just realized that I typed "Gayle" instead of "Gail." Sorry about that.

    Oh, and blogging lulls.. they happen to all of us. Worry not. :)

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  29. eileeninmdSeptember 22, 2014 at 4:37 PM

    Awesome captures of the hummer, Gail! A beautiful post!

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  30. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:53 PM

    What wonderful captures of this little beauty!

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  31. ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®©September 22, 2014 at 7:11 PM

    These are outstanding.
    ~

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  32. KarenSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:27 PM

    Awesome...WOW.
    I've been on a blogging break too, and am also finding it hard to get back into it.

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  33. Cranberry MorningSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    Simply amazing photographs! Wow!

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  34. ShugSeptember 22, 2014 at 7:54 PM

    My goodness.....splendid photography!! Really Gail....these shots are absolutely amazing!! Love, love your work...

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  35. Anita JohnsonSeptember 22, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    Speechless. (o:

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  36. UnknownSeptember 22, 2014 at 11:07 PM

    Fabulous shots!

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  37. IdaSeptember 22, 2014 at 11:32 PM

    Oh my stars these are outstanding and just awesome. The detail is breathtaking. What a treat to see these photos.

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  38. Margaret Birding For PleasureSeptember 23, 2014 at 1:36 AM

    Hi GAil What a fantastic shot of this beautiful bird. Butterflies can be photographed another day. I have now safely arrived back from 6 weeks away so have LOTS of editing to do!! Thanks for looking in on my posts while I was away and commenting. I appreciate that very much.

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  39. Elizabeth EdwardsSeptember 23, 2014 at 6:09 AM

    hope you find your routine again soon. i love hummingbirds. ( :

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  40. Stewart MSeptember 23, 2014 at 6:33 AM

    Wonderful pictures - really wonderful!

    Are you going to link these to Wild Bird Wednesday?

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  41. Beatrice P. BoydSeptember 23, 2014 at 6:46 AM

    Great shots both in this post and the previous ones I have just looked at, Gail. And there is never a need to apologize for not having enough time to read blogs and post to our own. Same happens to all of us and I have had time issues as well.

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  42. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmSeptember 23, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    Oh wow, she is just gorgeous!

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  43. KerrySeptember 23, 2014 at 2:57 PM

    In awwwwwwwwwe! Gorgeous.

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  44. Optimistic ExistentialistSeptember 23, 2014 at 3:06 PM

    The definition in these photos blows me away Gail!! Wow.

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  45. StarlaSeptember 23, 2014 at 9:13 PM

    OH. MY. Goodness!!
    GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS SHOTS!!

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  46. ArijaSeptember 23, 2014 at 9:30 PM

    Absolutely fantastic captures with all that luminescence!!! I thank God every day for all the varied blessings that are sent my way.

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  47. Margaret Birding For PleasureSeptember 24, 2014 at 12:37 AM

    Magnificent shot

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  48. orchid0324September 24, 2014 at 2:44 AM

    OMG, how amazingly your pictures of hummer♡♡♡ What a wonderful moment to capture, Gail♪

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  49. AndySeptember 24, 2014 at 4:06 AM

    Spectacular! These photos are good enough for National Geographic!

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  50. TexWisGirlSeptember 24, 2014 at 7:57 AM

    congrats on another well-deserved POTW!

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  51. Wally JonesSeptember 24, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    You were indeed blessed to be able to watch a flying jewel in action!

    And we all are blessed that you shared the experience! Thank you!

    Superb photographs, Gail.

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  52. Sallie (FullTime-Life)September 24, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    Incredible! We are blessed that you share your talents with us! Don't worry a out getting behind on visits ... I'm sure eEverybody understands. I'm having the same troubles getting caught up on fav sites after my sporadic summer connections.

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  53. KerrySeptember 24, 2014 at 10:54 AM

    Back to say: a richly deserved POTW!

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  54. A Colorful WorldSeptember 24, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    I am on my knees, bowing to the ground...I'm not worthy!!!!!

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  55. LindaSeptember 24, 2014 at 7:21 PM

    Beautiful shots! What a delightful little bird!

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  56. EG CameraGirlSeptember 25, 2014 at 5:21 PM

    I need to visit more arboretums! What fantastic photo opportunities!!

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  57. BarbaraSeptember 27, 2014 at 1:38 AM

    Gorgeous!

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  58. SuzanSeptember 27, 2014 at 11:51 AM

    I'm like you Gail!! Since school has started back - I haven't been checking out my blogging friends, except on weekends. And I see I'm missing A LOT!! Gorgeous humming bird photos!! Sharp, the colors, awesome shots!!

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  59. diane bSeptember 28, 2014 at 4:33 AM

    Fabulous shots

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  60. LCSeptember 28, 2014 at 10:59 PM

    I am trying to get back after summer breaks, too. Your photos of the hummingbird miss . . . or missus offered what struck me as an avian flower blossom and a big impetus to resume regular visiting blogging friends.

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  61. HelmaSeptember 29, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    I'm really jealous of these beautiful pictures of the hummingbird bird
    What an amazing beautiful pictures. I have shared this same at google +.
    Really fantastic!

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  62. Bob BushellSeptember 29, 2014 at 1:58 PM

    Oh my, it is beautiful, the best that I'd ever seen, lovely.

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  63. VoyagesetAbstraitsSeptember 30, 2014 at 12:33 AM

    Magnifiques photos !

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  64. Waldameise AndreaSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:05 AM

    Wow, welch faszinierende Aufnahmen. Gestochen scharf, man sieht jedes Federchen mit seinen herrlichen Farben.

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  65. Laura Delegal - Leroy PhotographyOctober 24, 2014 at 7:54 PM

    Oh, my, Gail. You should be shooting for National Geographic.

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