Ah, spring! What a wonderful time to be out looking for wildlife. The Hummingbirds can look amazing this time of year. There is a mature field of Creosote bushes nearby. During spring, the Creosote bushes get these pretty little yellow flowers covering them all over. Being in a field of bushes taller than I am is an amazing feeling.
But this day was even more special. An Anna’s Hummingbird was hanging out among the long branches of one of the bushes. They are always lovely to see, but even more so in spring when their gorgeous gorgets, patch of color on the throat, come to life. When you catch them in the right light, they really light up with brilliant, saturated colors.
“Hello there, little one!” I said. He waved back. “My, don’t you look gorgeous surrounded by all those tiny yellow flowers. Would you hold still while I come closer?” Most of the time, Hummingbirds don’t like to be approached. But today was an especially blustery day causing the branches to sway about, so perhaps he didn’t feel like flying. So, I inched closer.
When you come closer, obviously the bird fills more of the frame. But even better, the background of yellow flowers blurs more and creates a beautiful bokeh.
Now, even closer, he almost fills the frame and the bokeh has become even more beautiful. He sat on the branch continuing to preen his feathers and occasionally doing a big stretch where he raises his wings and fans out his tail. Sometimes, he would even lift one foot to stretch a leg out.
After the cleanup session, it is nice to just relax and close your eyes. Do they have feelings like we do, or am I just anthropomorphizing? But I imagine now he is feeling contentment.
Now it is time to wake up. “Thank you,” I said “for posing so nicely and tolerating me so well, while I took so many photos of you.”
“Goodbye, little one,” I said.
Hummingbird Photography Tips
- Use the widest aperture on the longest lens you can. This will produce the best bokeh.
- Pay attention to shutter speed. You may need to raise ISO to prevent blur.
- Approach Hummingbirds slowly and gently. Stay quiet and stay as far back as you can. Better yet, let them come to you.
- The use of a flash can bring out feather detail and make those gorgets shine.
I don’t always get to see Hummingbirds in such wonderful conditions, but it is always a pleasure to interact with them. One day I was out hiking while looking for wildlife. I came across some fledgling Rock Wrens. While taking some photos of them, I heard the beating of a Hummingbird’s wings behind me. When I turned around to look, I was staring into the face of the Hummingbird only about a foot away. We stared at each other for a few moments, contemplating the moment. Of course, I don’t really know what he was thinking, but I almost wondered if he was being a little protective of the young birds of another species and wanted to distract me.
Have you ever had interesting interactions with Hummingbirds you would like to share? I would love to hear about it.
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