A couple of Hummers

[JC4]

I've yet to get a good in-flight shot, so I tried again this morning. And, I still don't have one :) I'm not fast enough on the trigger. Just as I get focus-lock, and ready to release, they're gone. At least I got a couple of stills I like. C&C welcome.

---click picture for larger image---

Just a short nap.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1083278594_1643b473e1.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1083278594_f83d081b6d_o.jpg)

Helmet head.
A good indication how tiny they are under the feathers.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/1083277190_d302081329.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/1083277190_9524e75fb6_o.jpg)

Todays best female & male in-flights.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/1082421695_887d2e5853.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/1082421695_cd9f84aa0a_o.jpg)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1179/1083277514_2c180c89d9.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1179/1083277514_1bc908b7fe_o.jpg)

[downywp]

Very nice shots of this tiny beautiful bird, the 4th shot is my favourite followed closely by the 2nd, great poses and beautiful b/g colours. :-)

[aladyforty]

I love these birds, wish I had them where I live, great shots

[nwyman]

I'd love to get flight shots that good! The effort gets addictive, doesn't it?

[canonloader]

I've yet to get a good in-flight shot, so I tried again this morning. And, I still don't have one
Looks like you got a couple of good ones here. :)


Number 1 is not taking a nap, she's blinking here nictitating membrane. When they close the eyes, it looks like a closed eye. The helmet head is some kind of display. I've seen the males do it to a female and it might also be a territorial display trying to scare you away. :)

[JC4]

Very nice shots of this tiny beautiful bird, the 4th shot is my favourite followed closely by the 2nd, great poses and beautiful b/g colours.
Thanks. I liked the colors on 4 too, just needs to be sharper. Probably more SS.

I love these birds, wish I had them where I live, great shots
Thanks. They are fun to watch. We've had a few more around the feeders this last week, which prompted me to try again.

I'd love to get flight shots that good! The effort gets addictive, doesn't it?
Thanks, and yes it is addictive and fun. I still want a crisper flight image, and would love one close to a flower, so I'll keep trying.

Looks like you got a couple of good ones here.

Number 1 is not taking a nap, she's blinking here nictitating membrane. When they close the eyes, it looks like a closed eye. The helmet head is some kind of display. I've seen the males do it to a female and it might also be a territorial display trying to scare you away.

Thanks. I've caught them in a wink before, but this one actually had her eye closed for a couple seconds. Long enough for me to see it and take the snap. But, you're right, it looks exactly like a blink, and it was, just a long one. :) This helmet head shot he was scratching. You can see the blur of his talon kicking under his neck. Not sure I've seen the display you're referring too. I'll keep an eye out for it, so I know to duck if he darts in my direction :)

[Jay Lowery]

the second shot is great!

[canonloader]

Not sure I've seen the display you're referring too.
I was sitting near a feeder in late evening and saw the male push the gorget feathers forward while he did a little pendulum flight in front of the perched female. They have full control over those feathers and it's neat to watch. Only seen it once though and it was too dark to shoot. I was just enjoying the evening and the birds. :)

[EdV]

Very nice. Those in-flights look good to me. I'd be happy with them that's for sure!