Rupert has his squirrels and I have my hummingbird.He comes to the feeder several times a day and more frequently toward sunset. It's dark where the feeder is and most of the time I have to use my Vivitar flash to bring out some shiny highlights and to even get a shot of these fast moving birds.In a few weeks I should have my Pentax 100mm WR macro lens and I'll try it from 10ft like this one to see how it compares.--charliezap

[dcmsox2004]

green with envy charlie.... last year i had 2 feeders and saw squat !!!
any tips for attracting these flitting flyers????
surprised they're showing up so early in the season... dave m

[charliezap]

green with envy charlie.... last year i had 2 feeders and saw squat !!!
any tips for attracting these flitting flyers????
surprised they're showing up so early in the season... dave m

Hi Dave.I get green with envy when I see photos from people that have so many that it looks like flies at a picnic.I put my feeder up around the last 2 weeks of April and this guy showed up on May1st.I don't buy the mix.I use one part sugar to 4 parts water and boil the mixture and then add a couple of drops of food coloring.Studies have been done that prove that many h-birds return yearly to the same feeders.Hummers love red coloring so maybe some red flowers in the area may help.--charliezap

[crewl1]

Great shot!
The mix is right but you don't need the food coloring.
The red plastic of the feeder is enough for them to see it.
Most sources say the chemicals in the food coloring may harm the little guys.

[Bob Harris]

Charlie, I am surprised there is only one, you would think there would be a mate or others in the area. On our travels we always put out a feeder, no matter what time of year and they show up in the oddest areas. Nice shot and post with the new lens when you get a chance. Bob

[charliezap]

Great shot!
The mix is right but you don't need the food coloring.
The red plastic of the feeder is enough for them to see it.
Most sources say the chemicals in the food coloring may harm the little guys.

There are two schools of thought about the food coloring.I've been doing it for years and there doesn't seem to be any adverse effects to the little guy.

Charlie, I am surprised there is only one, you would think there would be a mate or others in the area. On our travels we always put out a feeder, no matter what time of year and they show up in the oddest areas. Nice shot and post with the new lens when you get a chance. Bob

Hi Bob--I think that a female companion frequents the feeder at times but I've never have seen two males at the feeder.--charliezap

[manishved]

Nice- you can actually feel the flapping of the wings....

[charliezap]

Nice- you can actually feel the flapping of the wings....

Thanks Manish.I made a 15sec video of the h-bird at the feeder that I hope to post later.--charliezap

[loco]

Great photo! I'm jealous, I have been trying to get a photo of mine, but I guess I just need to use flash. They are very shy and don't like to come around with me nearby.

He's beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[Sailor]

Pretty cool shot, Capn. Well done.

Jer

[charliezap]

Great photo! I'm jealous, I have been trying to get a photo of mine, but I guess I just need to use flash. They are very shy and don't like to come around with me nearby.

He's beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Pretty cool shot, Capn. Well done.

Jer

Thanks Jer & Lori.---Maybe it's my magnetic persona but I can stand with my "pretty face" 2ft from the feeder and he looks at me and feeds like we are best buds.I talk to him and don't make sudden moves.They know that they are faster than any move that we can make therefore they are quite fearless.--charliezap