Nature Final 2009 Hummingbird Post... I promise

Although there was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird here early this morning when it was 35 degrees F outside, I doubt we'll have them here much longer. Forecasts for this weekend have the temps coming in below freezing, so the stragglers should be spurred on to migrate south for warmer climates.

So, this will be my last hummingbird post for this year.... I promise

First... a few perched poses...

Glamour Shot
1/500s f/5.6 at 300.0mm iso250


Scratchin' an itch... that's pollen that he's kicking into the air
1/800s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso250


This one was very comfortable around the camera.... I used the Sigma 180 macro lens and 540 flash for fill on this shot... from less than 3 feet away. He returned to the same perch several days in a row... very cool.
1/800s f/6.3 at 180.0mm iso320


Ruby-throated Hummingbirds' tongues are forked at the end... tough to see clearly from this angle, but it's there.
1/500s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso200


Winner of the "Billy Idol Look-alike" contest ... now THAT's flexibility!
1/1000s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso400


Nectaring from Tricyrtis hirta - Toad Lily, which doesn't bloom here until October. Most years I don't have a chance to see if the hummingbirds use it.
1/250s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso400


Royal Queen Purple Iochroma Cyanea
1/640s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso400


Stachystarpheta jamaicensis - Purple Porterweed
1/640s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso250


Cuphea 'Ballistic'
1/320s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso400


So long 'til spring time!
1/320s f/4.5 at 300.0mm iso640


Thanks for looking!

Bud

[igor]

Bud, these are absolutely fantastic shots! well done!

[Ash]

Brilliant, Bud.
Spot on in every aspect.
Your collection of these hummers is just beautiful.
Awesome stuff mate.

[dadipentak]

Absolutely stunning photography!

[sajmmiller]

Wow!!! Just Wow!!!

[jlamorie]

Beautifully captured! Awesome work.

[reeftool]

An excellent series. If you still have hummingbirds, keep shooting and posting. These are great.

[8540tomg]

Awesome. The shots we all want but seldom if ever get.

Tom G

[Heinrich Lohmann]

Bud, all of these are outstanding images, thanks for posting them.

[captmacq]

You are sending them in to pentax RIGHT!

[irishinmo]

Very good captures. This is something I will file for next spring.

[MRRiley]

Stupendous shots Bud!

Mike

[lidy]

Love 'em. Wonderful shots!

[Marc Langille]

Indeed, brilliant shots Bud! Very enjoyable...

[lats]

Bud,
Love the subtleness of movement you have in so many of the shots above.
Such busy little creatures....