The leaves are starting to fall from the trees and summer's blooms are fading... sure signs that another season of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is wrapping up here in the Midwest. By the end of September, almost all of them will be well into their 500 to 1,000 mile migration south (including 500-600 non-stop miles across the Gulf of Mexico for those headed to Central America.)

We're still seeing 3 or 4 daily in our yard as they fatten up for the southern excursion. Here's a few images of these fascinating winged wonders that I'd like to share.

Nectaring from Leonotis leonurus - first time we've grown this plant... it's awesome in bloom!
1/800s f/6.3 at 300.0mm iso320


In a bed of Black-eyed Susans and salvia coccinea
1/400s f/4.5 at 300.0mm iso800


On the bloom of Stachystarpheta jamaicensis - Purple Porterweed
1/500s f/5.6 at 300.0mm iso125


Spigelia marilandica - Indian Pink
1/2000s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso640


Cooling off in the sprinkler on a hot September day
1/320s f/8.0 at 300.0mm iso320


And a few "perched" shots

It's amazing all of the stretching exercises they go through... I think that the "neck extension" is my favorite
1/800s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso640


Rear rudder adjustment...
1/800s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso640


Ready for takeoff...
1/640s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso400


And a farewell salute... or is it a 'Saturday Night Fever' move?
1/1250s f/7.1 at 300.0mm iso250


Thanks for looking!

Bud

[xhanatos]

Let me know which image you'd like in higher resolution... I'll post it here. I'd be honored for to you use one of my shots as your desktop!

1, 3 and 9 please!

[apisto]

...it seems that many of the hummingbirds are accustomed to our presence outside. I'm often able to get within 5-7 feet of the subjects while shooting hand-held...

Yes, hummingbirds can be quite forward when they get comfortable. One day a couple years ago my wife and I were standing on the back patio chatting, near the feeder. My wife was wearing shorts with a floral print and the hummingbird came and was jabbing at the flowers on her shorts trying to get nectar!

[Jonson PL]

Thanks, Sune! Haven't heard from you lately. How've you been?

Thanks Bud.
I’ve mostly resided here, and given DPr a rest. Too much static, and not enough focus on the pleasure of photography. But good seeing that you’re posting here as well. Always such a positive impact, seeing your work.
Hadn’t checked out the latest images that you had updated the thread with; jaw-droppingly-good

[khardur]

oh my - those are spectacular... my top 3 favorites:
1 - cooling off in the sprinkler - that's just fantastic
2 - rear rudder adjustment - wow that has such a 3D feel. I'm so jealous!
3 - farewell salute - the iridescent green is gorgeous

Damn amazing.

[imtheguy]

Hello Bud -
I have not had the pleasure of trading quips with you before about our shots and its good for me as your work blows everything else out of the water. Seeing the hummers in more natural settings like flowers and twigs is really appealing compared to the feeder shots I have seen. I have no adjectives to add to what is already listed in the thread. Just know that a lot of photogs wish they could do what you have done.

[RP-K20D]

I think "Wow" is overused, but in this case, totally at home!

[mikeSF]

nailed these!!
fantastic.

[XercesNancy]

Hi Bud,
I am putting together a plant list for gardeners in Florida and we're including Salvia coccinea. The final list will look similar to those at this site The Xerces Society , with credit for photographers on the last page. We do not sell the publication (other than reproduction costs if more than a small number are requested0, but it will be available for download from our website along with those already there. If it is ok to use the photo, please let me know the correct credit. I only see "Bud." In addition to your name, would you like anything else with the photo credit?
Thank you,
Nancy

[Tom S.]

Hi Nancy. To protect you from being spammed by bots who search internet forums looking for email address postings, I have deleted yours and sent it on to Bud in a PM.

[XercesNancy]

Thank you for keeping an eye out and removing my post with email embedded.

[Back2shoot]

Awesome! Great colours and wonderful subject.

[joip]

Great shots. I love the one of the sprinkler - it speaks.

[sealonsf]

Oh my goodness. The photo with the rain is outstanding. They are all outstanding.