Rufous Hummingbird (ground roosting)

This rufous hummingbird was exhibiting an interesting behavior that I haven't ever seen. It was still actively feeding and defending its food source (a flowering bush) but it would return to the ground each time. My guess is that it was avoiding the high winds to conserve energy. The pollen buildup did not prevent it from opening its bill. Enjoy!

Interesting. I have never seen a hummingbird on the ground.

Beautiful shots!

Tim

Nicely done and at such a short focal length! I’ve observed nearly the same behavior when it gets windy. They’ll get down low as possible or get behind something.

txcanon wrote in post #19044920
Nicely done and at such a short focal length! I’ve observed nearly the same behavior when it gets windy. They’ll get down low as possible or get behind something.

Thank you both. I started out with the 600, then moved closer with the 70-200 III, and finally the 100 macro. It was interesting to compare the results from the three on the same subject at their native minimum focusing distance. I have always enjoyed the results from the 70-200 but was shocked to find out how circular and distorted the bokeh is at 200mm compared to the negligible distortion seen in the macro — it’s a fantastic lens.

Aves wrote in post #19045477
Thank you both. I started out with the 600, then moved closer with the 70-200 III, and finally the 100 macro. It was interesting to compare the results from the three on the same subject at their native minimum focusing distance. I have always enjoyed the results from the 70-200 but was shocked to find out how circular and distorted the bokeh is at 200mm compared to the negligible distortion seen in the macro — it’s a fantastic lens.

The 100L macro is indeed a fantastic lens. Only minor issue I have with it is it is a little slow in focusing, but it is a macro lens and focus speed isn't important.

Tim