I have been photographing ruby throat hummingbirds in my back yard since 2007. Over the years it seems the number of hummingbirds that visited my back yard have dropped dramatically over the years. In the early years I might have had to wait 5-30 minutes in between hummer visits. The time would shorten as the season progressed. The number of shots could reach to one thousand on any given day. This year I did not photograph my first female until mid-season. I was lucky to come away with 75 to 150 shots on any given day. Because of the unusually high atmospheric heat this year I limited myself to 4 hours max a day in the sun.
This year specifically, common wait times ranged from 30 to 75 minutes. As the fledgling hummers appeared wait times did shortened. Unusually long waiting is/was very frustrating.
I wonder if there is an ecological explanation for the drop in the population my ruby throats.
Super collection Ted. My understanding is that humming birds need to eat every 15 to 20 minutes. With the time between visits it sounds like they have another food source.
Absolutely stunning work Ted !!!! All so very beautiful.
The numbers I am seeing are the lowest it has ever been. I noticed a decline starting a few years ago.
In the past I could just walk out in my garden and have one or two just sitting on a branch in plain view and few hidden . Now, I go out and wait and wait and wait, and hopefully one will come by to visit. Like you the number of females seems extremely low. Not sure what is going on , but it saddens me.
I'm sure glad you numbered these as I'd like to comment on each one of them
That's a lot of beauty shots you earned here UT! However 23, 31 and 32 are certainly standouts if that is possible as they all are wonderful cheerful images of these tiny treasures
You are seeing less Hummers, I am in general seeing far less little birds. Explanation why, ehhh might not want to know.
Wonderful wonderful assortment of poses and different floral attractions, both I fully enjoyed
Karl
Interesting. Your situation is exactly the opposite of mine. I used to have to wait 30-45 minutes per visit for one bird and this summer I have 5 birds sitting in the trees in my backyard and they buzz around constantly. My problem is they seldom feed on the pants.
Anyways, your collection here is just beautiful. Gorgeous colors and backgrounds. Great detail. Various poses. All work really well together. Excellent work !
Gary
We moved from NY to TN in 2005. We began putting up feeders and had lots- I mean lots of birds. Then several years ago the numbers of hummers dropped and this year we finally took them down. We do have one that comes to the flowers.
Love your photos.
morris wrote:
Super collection Ted. My understanding is that humming birds need to eat every 15 to 20 minutes. With the time between visits it sounds like they have another food source.
I agree, a hot summer.
Morris
Thank you for your reply Morris. Your understanding is correct but is not a reason for the reduced activity which others have also observed.
birdied wrote:
Absolutely stunning work Ted !!!! All so very beautiful.
The numbers I am seeing are the lowest it has ever been. I noticed a decline starting a few years ago.
In the past I could just walk out in my garden and have one or two just sitting on a branch in plain view and few hidden . Now, I go out and wait and wait and wait, and hopefully one will come by to visit. Like you the number of females seems extremely low. Not sure what is going on , but it saddens me.
Birdie
Sorry to hear you too see less hummingbird activity in your area. It is a mystery. Thanks for your kind reply Birdie.
amazing collection. You are lucky. Let's hope the rain and cooler weather comes back soon. I have been through few cycles so I know the good time will come back!!!!
Karl Witt wrote:
I'm sure glad you numbered these as I'd like to comment on each one of them
That's a lot of beauty shots you earned here UT! However 23, 31 and 32 are certainly standouts if that is possible as they all are wonderful cheerful images of these tiny treasures
You are seeing less Hummers, I am in general seeing far less little birds. Explanation why, ehhh might not want to know.
Wonderful wonderful assortment of poses and different floral attractions, both I fully enjoyed
Karl
Many thanks my friend Karl. These 32 photos are the best of a larger collection taken from May to
August 2022. Thanks for your picks. I am mystified as to why the series has not drawn greater attention.
Great set Ted! I like them one and all, so I'll refrain from picking any, but it's apparent you've mastered the art capturing these beautiful creatures!
sum1sgrampa wrote:
Interesting. Your situation is exactly the opposite of mine. I used to have to wait 30-45 minutes per visit for one bird and this summer I have 5 birds sitting in the trees in my backyard and they buzz around constantly. My problem is they seldom feed on the pants.
Anyways, your collection here is just beautiful. Gorgeous colors and backgrounds. Great detail. Various poses. All work really well together. Excellent work !
Gary
Gary, I appreciate your history and kind appraisals. I enjoy your art, your photography.
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douter wrote:
A most excellent set Ted. I often wonder why in the 6 years that I have been planting for them, I only see one female or juvenile all season.
Douglas
Thank you Douglas for your reply. The female has to get impregnated, build a nest, raise a family and fight off all other hummers to feed.
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runakid wrote:
We moved from NY to TN in 2005. We began putting up feeders and had lots- I mean lots of birds. Then several years ago the numbers of hummers dropped and this year we finally took them down. We do have one that comes to the flowers.
Love your photos.
Thanks for sharing your history with hummers and thanks for your kind review.
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AGeoJO wrote:
Beautiful images, Ted! I am lost figuring out my favorites by the sheer number of excellent captures.
Joshua
Thanks Joshua
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nugeny wrote:
amazing collection. You are lucky. Let's hope the rain and cooler weather comes back soon. I have been through few cycles so I know the good time will come back!!!!
Thanks for your post.
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gregfountain wrote:
Great set Ted! I like them one and all, so I'll refrain from picking any, but it's apparent you've mastered the art capturing these beautiful creatures!
