My main photographic interest lies in landscapes, so it is a bit odd that my first post after years of lurking contains birds. I have two small children at home so I have not had the time over the last year to go on any major hiking/landscape photography expeditions. Birding however is something that can be done in a short time span, so I picked up a Canon 400 5.6 a few months ago and here are some samples.

I am teased daily by all the great hummingbird-in-flight shots on this site, but I was more than pleased when I came home with something different, a hummingbird sitting on a nest! Certainly a much easier subject to photograph than a moving target, but much harder to find since the nest is about the size of a ping-pong ball.

Female Rufous Hummingbird

Excellent shots Karen. The nesting hummer shots are super.
Harsha

Karen, try shooting your lense with F of 6.3 or 7.1. Mine is razor sharp once I get to 7.1 and many other owners of the 400 5.6 have told me that theirs is the same. It can also help if the focus is slightly forward as it is in your shots to add depth of field.
Jon

Beautiful shots Karen, I think maybe you might become addicted to shooting birds, especially with photos like these.

Congratulations Karen

Good job on these

Lil

Welcome to the N&W forum, Karen. These are all beautiful shots. I don't recall seeing any other shots of Hummers in their nest; which makes these my favorites of the series.

Dave I.

Welcome Karen!

The hummers are wonderful, oh yeah and then you land a great pileated!! Some of us would love to have that shot. Well I suppose I could nit pic the cross bill but who needs a tail? These are wonderful, please keep posting please.


Tim

That second shot is terrific!!!!!
Susan

WELCOME fellow traveler... and a great beginning for you Very nice Karen! Look forward to your future posts....

Terry

WoooW wish I had a 1st post like that! This is the 1st time I see a hummer nest!
Their nests are as pretty as they are
My pick is #2! terrific shot!
Congrats and I hope we'll see more from ya!

OUTSTANDING captures Karen!
Dan

Welcome Karen and congrats on a wonderful series! Keep us posted on the hummers, look forwad to more.

Doug

The nesting hummer shots are super Karen.

Hi Karen and a big welcome to you I think you have made a quick impression with these. Very nice nesting hummer shots, that is a lucky find. You sure caught on to that 400 quickly, gorgeous pileated shot too. That is my first time seeing a crossbill, certainly see how it got its name.

I am sure if your talent is in the landscapes than you should get posting there too, especially if they are like these in quality Hope to see more from you soon.

Karl

Very clean shots with beautiful colors and detail, Karen. You are off to a great start.
The first shot is my favorite as it shows a more pleasing bg. The last two shots are excellent images as well.
Socrate

Very nice. I agree with #1 being the favourite but I like them all.

Wonderful images! The Hummers are great as the nest itself is a fantastic work of art and is proudly attended by Mom.

Bill

Very nice captures Karen. Thanks for sharing these.

Jude

Welcome Karen and welcome to the wildlife addiction
Landscapes are boring so it's time to move up in the world of photography
The Hummers are great and congrats on the WP

Anthony chillin in Iowa for the next few weeks. YEA BABY

Thank you all for the warm welcome and the kind words. I fear I may have a hard time following up this post because of the unique subject matter (hummingbird nest)! Oh well, I guess I better get out and get shooting if I want to top this!

These are really nice Karen. It's amazing how perfectly formed that nest is, like it was hand-made by meticulous weavers. Good work getting a clean shot with subtle light and pretty colors.