p.1 #1 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
For hummingbirds to bathe, they MUST HAVE water that is extremely shallow, or water from a spray. With legs that are less than half an inch in length, they avoid water deeper than that.
They simply will not bathe in deeper water, which is why they will not bathe in those bowl-shaped bird baths unless some object is placed that they can sit on where the water is very shallow. Since they have the smallest legs of all birds, why would anyone expect them to bathe in water that is more than half an inch deep?
Hummingbird legs are extremely tiny, measuring roughly 0.25 to 0.5 inches in length. Because their legs and feet are so small and weak, these birds cannot walk or hop; instead, they use their feet strictly for perching and shuffling sideways along branches.
If building your own ‘fountain’ for photographing them, it matters not what the overall appearance looks like when you are only photographing the small area encompassing the hummingbird. Just like a movie set where the videographer shoots only the action area of the set.
I routinely shot hummingbirds bathing from a blind and was only a few feet from the hummingbird. The sound of the mirror-slap from a DSLR would frighten some away, while others would get used to it. Mirrorless shooting eliminated that problem.
p.1 #4 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
Im so jealous, Ive had one out for the last 2 years and non of my local Ruby's seem to care. I don't have the shower like yours but a nice little bubbler and smooth water over rocks. I love your pics of these guys in the water.
p.1 #6 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
quigsby wrote:
not sure why they don't like mine
Try placing several flat rocks in that large main area, with only 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water covering them. They also prefer to have a nearby bushy brush or tree in which to perch before and after bathing.
p.1 #10 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
Gorgeous images! I can imagine how incredible must be to see them from a couple of feet away, guess you could have used a micro lens (lol).
I only saw hummer bathe the first time a few months ago. Felt like I was age 5 again... The little guys were so incredibly funny in their dance on the fountain.
I wish we had hummers year around where I live... not just passing by spring and fall...
p.1 #11 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
Wow! You put a lot of work into this project. And I think the images are unique. They are superb! I learned a lot. You got my vote. Thank you Tony
Imagemaster wrote:
For hummingbirds to bathe, they MUST HAVE water that is extremely shallow, or water from a spray. With legs that are less than half an inch in length, they avoid water deeper than that.
They simply will not bathe in deeper water, which is why they will not bathe in those bowl-shaped bird baths unless some object is placed that they can sit on where the water is very shallow. Since they have the smallest legs of all birds, why would anyone expect them to bathe in water that is more than half an inch deep?
Hummingbird legs are extremely tiny, measuring roughly 0.25 to 0.5 inches in length. Because their legs and feet are so small and weak, these birds cannot walk or hop; instead, they use their feet strictly for perching and shuffling sideways along branches.
If building your own ‘fountain’ for photographing them, it matters not what the overall appearance looks like when you are only photographing the small area encompassing the hummingbird. Just like a movie set where the videographer shoots only the action area of the set.
I routinely shot hummingbirds bathing from a blind and was only a few feet from the hummingbird. The sound of the mirror-slap from a DSLR would frighten some away, while others would get used to it. Mirrorless shooting eliminated that problem.
Photos taken in Nanoose, Vancouver Island....Show more →
p.1 #12 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
Ovimo001 wrote:
Gorgeous images! I can imagine how incredible must be to see them from a couple of feet away, guess you could have used a micro lens (lol).
I only saw hummer bathe the first time a few months ago. Felt like I was age 5 again... The little guys were so incredibly funny in their dance on the fountain.
I wish we had hummers year around where I live... not just passing by spring and fall...
Thanks, I did use a macro lens for many shots.
These were all Rufous Hummingbirds, and they only visited in the Spring and Summer.
p.1 #13 · "Build it and hummingbirds will bathe in it."
bs kite wrote:
Wow! You put a lot of work into this project. And I think the images are unique. They are superb! I learned a lot. You got my vote. Thank you Tony
Thanks Robert, you are welcome. No need to vote, as I never run for election.
