The Tiniest Contortionist for my 5000th Post

I had a hard time deciding on what to post this time round but in the end I settled for the tiniest of birds. At just 3 inches she truly is different from all the other species. And her character shines through when she preens and puts on some of these strange yet caprivating displays. Four shots here with two images that barely represent the many variations to this theme and 2 more of her in flight because that in itself is an amazing study. The Rubythroated Hummers have disapeared now from my yard and I can only hope to see one or more return again next year. I have quite a few shots I have not yest posted of this beauty and in time I will get around to sharing a few more.

Thanks once again to Wayne ( liv2trip) and Dan ( Dancad) for pointing me in the direction of this community just over a year ago now and thanks to Dennis (dancinec) who was the first to welcome me and help me on my first post when my image didn't show Thanks as well to everyone who looked and commented, critiqued and criticized as it all helps me to improve. And finally a special thanks to the Moderators who keep it all together .......

Great choice Gary, superb images! Congrats on # 5000.

They maybe small but theyre packed with beauty and you've captured them very nicely. Congrats on yout 5000th Gary.

Congratulations ! I also want to thank you Gary for sharing your images and your knowledge . I know a great number of your 5000 posts were used to help me.

congratulations on reaching 5000 posts and I'm glad that me and Dan told you about the forum as I have enjoyed your work immensley and have learned alot from you in the field ,,, the forum is certainly a better place with you sharing your images and your knowledge,,, now to the pics #1 and #2 are both superb images , extremely sharp (prime lenses mmm mmm good ) , the 2 inflights are quite good too , but I seem to keep going back to the preening shots ,,, very nice series Gary , looking forward to many more

The two preening shots are superb...worthy for your 5000th post. Has it only been just over a year? With that post count? Gonna have to make a trip down to your garden next summer for a chance at these guys/gals...

Wow, real impressed. Congrats on your 5000th. Just got back from 2hr bird shoot and I'm sure I ain't got such beaut pics in my bag!

BIG Congrats on the 5000, Gary! These are top quality hummer photos. Love the behavior in #1 and #2. Sharp, nicely exposed and composed. The subject really pops!

I've been a fan of your work since.....God knows when. Always have something to learn from your photos, and you always take time and effort to comment, critique and advice other people's posts, including mine. I really appreciate it. It's an honor having you here in the POTN Birds forum.

Things of beauty, Gary - absolutely breathtaking (especially the first two), and the amount of detail is amazing, without looking remotely unnatural.

Might I ask what ISO these were taken at?

congrats on 5K!! i love these photos...especially the ones with the flowers and bird.

congrats from me to 5k just proves you have to much time on your hands
some great shots for the post too fantastic color's to them i like No 3 lots as it shows what this bird can do best hover .
time to start on your next 5k lol
Rob.

These four shots just about sum you up Gary - Very, very nice!
Have enjoyed your contribution to this forum immensely, look foreward to your next 5K.
Kind regards Alan.

Congratulations on post 5000 and I'm already looking forward to the next 5000. You definitely are "Cream of the crop". Your work is of top quality. These shots are simply stunning. Brilliant work as always.

Congrats on reaching the big 5K Gary. These shots exemplify the consistent high quality of you work that we constantly see here. Although we have never met, I do feel that I know you from the many comments and suggestions. Congrats again and keep it up!

And thanks for always providing us with top shelf work and taking the time to offer your input with my bird posts.