Yesterday I visited some family members who live on a farm. They have hummingbird feeders set up at various spots around the farmhouse and I was delighted to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) zipping about throughout the time of my visit. I would have liked to have gotten shots of the hummingbirds feeding on some beautiful flowers, but they seemed content to use the feeders.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only hummingbirds where I live, are small at about 2.8-3.5 inches in length (7-9 cm), so it is not easy to capture shots of them in flight. Most of my shots include the feeders, but I generally prefer a more natural-looking backdrop whenever possible, so I used these shots. It was a hot, humid day and I quickly wore myself out chasing after these energetic little birds.
In case you are curious, I was once again using my new Tamron 18-400mm lens. I would have liked to have had a bit more reach to get closer shots—these shots are significantly cropped—but I think that is the constant complaint of most wildlife photographers, even those with super telephoto lens. I’m pretty happy with the shots that I was able to get of these hummingbirds that look to be either females or juvenile males—I did see some adult males with their brilliant ruby throats, but, alas, was unable to get any shots of them.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Amazing shots Mike. Hummingbirds move so quickly. Well done capturing their wings stationary. I only suceed in snapping a blur😊
Thanks, Suzette. There is a certain amount of blur, but I think that enhances the sense of motion.
Yes, I agree!
Wonderful photos of the Ruby-throated hummingbird, Mike, those electric gems that zip about in our world. I liked hearing about your adventures in capturing their beauty.
Thanks, Jet. I hope later in the summer to capture some more shots of hummingbirds in a garden not far from where I live. Some other photographers have taken some amazing shots of them nectaring on various flowers.
Amazing shots, Mike! Wow! What stunning wee creatures they are and you’ve done a fabulous job of capturing them. I really love the blur on the wing in the final shot.
Thanks, Laura. I would like to take credit for creating that blur intentionally, but it just turned out that way–the hummingbirds move their wings so fast that it is really hard to totally stop the action and it looks almost fake if you do.
Beautiful pictures, Mike. Hummingbirds move quickly, so it’s great that you were able to capture these.
Those small targets are a great way to practice with new (or old!) gear.
Great results, Mike.
Thanks, Wally. These little targets are not only a test of our gear, they test our skills and also our patience. If I don’t do it for a while, I notice that my skill in tracking a flying subject degrades quite a bit. I think it has to do with hand-to-eye coordination.
They are incredible. While hiking a bit, I happened upon a couple, and one lit on a grass stalk. Curious, as it never bent under the hummingbird, I pressed down, and it gave way to my slightest effort. These wonderful birds weigh next to nothing, yet they’re incredibly fast and agile through the air.
It truly is amazing to watch hummingbirds. They are so light and agile and fly with such elegance. Apparently they have to eat a lot to maintain that weight as a result of their high level of activity–they beat their wings at up to 53 times a second.
It’s wonderful to see the in-flight photos as opposed to hovering while feeding. I see so many pics of the latter but not many of them just flying.. but they look so unusual and cute as they fly. Those tiny little feet 🙂
Thanks, Liz. Those tiny feet apparently are pretty useless when it comes to walking. According to one site, “The extremely short legs of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird prevent it from walking or hopping. The best it can do is shuffle along a perch. Nevertheless, it scratches its head and neck by raising its foot up and over its wing.”
Sweet! Nice, almost impossible to get shots!
Thanks, Cindy.
Nice photos, Mike!