I set up a feeder to attract Hummers this year as I have never photographed them before, Very quickly they started to arrive with a Ruby-throated showing up but I missed him. I shot this one in poor backlighting lighting @1/100sec. these little birds are tough at first as they dart back and forth very quickly. Hopefully I can get setup with better lighting. The first round turned out a little soft.
Thanks for looking
Could anyone ID this hummer? I was thinking it might be a female ruby-throat, location is southern Ontario, Canada
It's a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only species that breeds in Ontario. The dark colour of the gorget (throat feathers) is a result of lack of bright light on it. The red colour you see in bright light is the result of iridescence. See here for a LONG explanation http://hummingbirdworld.com/h/iridescent.htm
Thanks for the info, I did notice when I saw the Ruby-throated from a different angle the throat was a very deep rich red as well as the body being much more colorful, I thought maybe this was a different one.
Hey Jim, sounds like you are going to have some fine company and several great opportunities to get dialed in I wish you the best luck, good start with this one!
wahoo~~ where are you located? maybe i should spend a weekend in your house to take pic of humming bird too~ i tried the feeder once but nothing come so far~
by the way.. i'm in markham
Jim, not that I know this from experience but from what others have said here, if you just keep going out while they are there they will get used to you and have no fear of you. Keep at it, I'm betting it will pay off big time.
I am located about 1 hr west of you does the # 99 give you a hint?
Tim
Funny you mention this, the first time I was out not 6 feet away from the feeder and one flew up, I froze instantly so I would not scare it away, I went out to the local store and bought some camo material and made a blind. Later I read they are quite curious confirming what you have said. I will try tomorrow, this will give me an opportunity for a better position.
Congratulations, Jimmy. I have yet to get my first hummer but I'm so encouraged to hear they are already in Canada. I'm in New England and already have the feeder up. Now for some red flowers!! At this latitude, flowers will have to be installed, not grown. And a water pistol to get the neighbor's cat.
Carole
I wish you the best luck, good start with this one!
does the # 99 give you a hint?