hummingbirds – Daffodil Hill Photography

Finally

I have spent several days trying to get a decent shot of the Hummingbirds at our feeder. Over the weekend I finally got one that was worth sharing, so here it is finally!

Yesterday I had a big project I needed to do before the rains hit our area. I was able to get it done and had time before it started rain to get a few clicks in. I decided to try to get a shot of the Hummingbirds feeding on the Jewelweed out back of our house. I found a little spot along the fence line where I could be partially hidden and stood there and waited. And waited. And waited some more.I could hear the Hummingbirds chattering away behind me so I knew they would eventually make around but I was getting attacked by several types of flying insects and was not sure how long I could hold out. After the second fly-by of a very large wasp I decided it was time to go but really wanted to get something for my efforts. I knew if I moved quickly the Hummingbirds behind me would scatters so to minimize that possibility I pivoted around without moving my feet. I could hear the buzz of wings of the Hummingbirds as they moved about and one of the birds turned and came towards me. It landed on a branch not far from me, checking me out as it also keep an eye out for the other Hummingbirds. As it was looking up I carefully lifted my camera and snapped away. This shot, and two in the arm by a thorn-bush I did not know was there, is what I got for my effort.

Resting At The Feeder

We Are Back

It took a bit longer than the past two years for the Hummingbirds to show up but three have been by the feeder today. This one was very cooperative for a Hummingbird, like they wanted me to know “We are back”.

Hummingbirds Past

I did not post very many of my hummingbird attempts from this past summer because, uh, well they sucked. I have a plan to move the feeders to a more photo-op friendly location next year but till then here are a few hummingbirds past.

Incoming!

I was trying to get a few decent captures of the hummingbirds on our place before they migrate. I lined up this shot, took the snap and looked up and the hummingbird was about four feet from me! It was just hanging out and seeing what I was up to I suppose. It flew off and I knew I missed the shot. When I downloaded the pics this is what I captured.

Lavender Haze

I spent an hour or so just sitting in the side field on our place late this morning. It was extremely hot and I found a nice shady spot along the path back to the creek. As I sat there in the shade, with the heat and humidity pressing upon me, I feel in love with nature all over again. I took my camera with me but it was laid at my side more than not this morning. As I took in the sights I was also aware of the sounds. As a small Field Skipper butterfly passed by I could actually hear it ‘s wings flapping as it went by my head! It is amazing what one can hear when we quiet ourselves.

I also heard the wings and squeaky little calls of the Hummingbirds, which I had though had taken off south early.I thought this because I have not seen many the last few days at the feeders. Slowing down enough to really see, I became aware of just how much Tall Ironweed, Spotted Jewelweed and other nectar rich plants that we are blessed to have on our place. It seems the fields bounty taste better than my sugar-water!

Sitting there looking, observing and listen to things outside of me helped me as well. Nature is pretty cool that way! Here is a few I took of the bounty of Tall Ironweed we have on our place.

If you look close you can see a bee in the upper right quadrant. — If you look close you can see a Bee in the upper right quadrant.

This is a Hummingbird Moth. Beside children probably the hardest thing to capture setting still!

I know this is a picture of Hummingbird but I was able to get little bit of the Ironweed in at the top. — I know this is a picture of Hummingbird but I was able to get bit of the Ironweed in at the top.

When You Least Expect It

Life is amazing in many ways but one way is when a gift shows up when you least expect it. I was out in the side field on our place in pursuit of a capture of a very tiny but amazing flower. The two below photos are ones I took later of this little flower and in the bottom one I used my ring to show the flowers size.

I have observed Bumblebees feeding on these flowers that are just a fraction of a Bumblebees mass (See Below photo).

As I was trying to figure out my lack of success I “felt” the air around me move. I looked up and saw the source of this only four or so feet from my face. Can you see what moved the air? Yes life is a challenge sometimes but amazing shows up when we least expect it.