Hummers are wondrous and beautiful at the same time. Great photos, Cindy; it’s no mean fate to capture them in such detail given how fast they move, and the unbelievable frequency of their wing beats! Oh to have so many in the yard at one time! We’re luck to see one occasionally!
Winged Lighting, a very appropriate name for these birds! This year I’ve been neglecting ours, but after reading this post, I will put the hummingbird feeder out.
Lovely photos! Humming birds are so very interesting. The necessity of the torpor state, the amount of heartbeats per minute, why the feathers look iridescent in certain light, and many other facts make them a unique member of the bird family.
Yes they are fascinating creatures, the only birds that can fly backwards, the smallest birds in the world, and they migrate 1000’s of miles. They flash their colors at will, as signals, and they nag me to no end when the feeders are empty!
Aren’t they gorgeous little creatures? Thanks for sharing the pictures, Cindy.
We have some, too, but our hummingbird-feeders are not in such a bright sunlight. So their colours don’t show up that nicely. But we love top watch them, whirring around.
Have a wonderfule weekend,
Pit
I don’t which makes me really strange I know. I like to focus each shot and get in sort of a rhythm with the birds natural movements so I know when to click. If I am off rhythm, it won’t work.
The hummingbird moth! I look forward to seeing it. I had a heck of a time once trying to convince a person who didn’t live in hummingbird habitat, that what they were seeing was a moth and not a bird. I don’t think they believed me!
They are not in the least least intimidated by human beings, which is pretty remarkable since they are the smallest birds in the world! So happy you appreciate them as I do & cheers to you~
Yes. Everything about them defies logic. They can migrate non-stop across The Gulf of Mexico, and they weigh less than a dime! Thank you for appreciating my buddies Teagan & cheers to you my friend <3
I have a Sony Cybershot but struggle to get any sort of decent quality with moving objects, and birds such as these would seem an impossibility, as the electronic lens cannot focus quick enough.
How do you manage such excellent clarity?
The RX 10 IV is an incredibly fast camera, but funnily, I use it for landscapes, and not birds in motion. I don’t like using photo bursts for birds. I basically have observed birds my whole life and was obsessed with them as a child. I get into the rhythm of their movement. When it is working, I am ready for where they are going before they get there, and it is like we are in perfect synch. When I am a nano-second off, it is like a dance partner who can’t anticipate your next move, everything just slightly off. When this happens, I pause, and get back into the rhythm, before I take the next shot. It is like a one… and a two,,,, and let’s dance!
Here’s what you might try. Watch the birds you want to photograph through your lens for awhile, your eye will naturally start to track them, when you get a sense of their movement and rhythm, anticipate where they will go, and there you will be, perfect shot! It takes practice, but is tons of fun, and is Zen like in it’s effect on you. You are utterly in the moment with the birds. Best of luck!
Oh excellent! Stick with it. It is fun, and you will get better and better! Our brains and eyes work together much faster than we know.
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It is getting used to the functions of the camera. Normally I just set everything on auto and click away, especially if I am doing Street photography.
But this won’t cut it with the Cybershot when photographing birds or animals in motion.
I’ll figure it out eventually.
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You will. Practice is the key!
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Wonderful photos Cindy! Hummers rarely sit still for photos. 🙂 But they sure are beautiful, and amazing flyers, able to fly up, back, down, anyway they want!
Don’t you love it when they levitate at hyper-sonic speeds about a hundred feet up, and then dove bomb an opponent with pinpoint accuracy! They are remarkable.
Your photographs of these astonishing aviators are superb: so rich in colour, so detailed, and so descriptive. I like them all of course, but the little dude in the 6th photo is my favourite: he looks like he can’t make up mind whether to sit or fly. Your photographs seem to get better and better each time I visit. Thank you 🙂
I put your lyrical text together to form first stanza in a short poem.
Of all The Holler’s flying folks
Hummer’s are the fastest of the fast.
They pause only seconds to sip,
Then flash like lightening passed.
~
This flying flock of fast folk,
Whose sequined feathers hum the air,
These dashing darting denizens,
Display such iridescent flare.
~
Jackets of green scintillating,
Prominent against deep blue,
Where there for you: your camera too,
Hovering supping nectar-dew.
~
Until dizzy, giddy, altogether unsteady,
When then upon a spindling stem:
Perching poaching beneath hot sun,
Merrily singing the Hummer’s Hum.
~*~
I imagine there are many possibilities and permutations when considering publishing and all dependant on how you wish to present your work: its style, layout and content. For example, a large format coffee-table style book would give your photographs presence and allow detail to be explored and appreciated whereas something smaller might allow more intimacy defined by your singularly unique perspective and concentrate more on text or associated commentary. The content could be tailored to reflect your immediate interests and passions – perhaps an unusual take on the wild-life and bird-life at the Holler – or maybe it might offer a broader appreciation of the natural world arising in the area in which you live: you have a passion for birds yet also a passion for the environment and its habitants as well. Since you also have a keen interest in travel and exploration your tome might offer illumed reflection on areas you’ve visited – or plan to visit – and be supported by examples from your photographic library. You may decide your volume should be created alone and be wholly representative of yourself or be produced in collaboration with others who share your interests and passion: individuals knowledgeable of the area you live in, or other writers, artists, poets whose work reflect the landscape in some way etc. You might even decide to accept submissions for inclusion from elsewhere – from others with whom you connect – or perhaps work on a collaborative project with another. The possibilities are endless and the world is your oyster in how you approach design and shape your publication: you are a creative person and I’ve no doubt your ideas would flow unabated if you chose to proceed with a book. I also imagine you’d make a fantastic job of it as well 🙂
It’s certainly something to consider as you enjoy Sunday and the week ahead 🙂
Oh, yes, thank you for such creative and great ideas, and for taking the time to suggest them. I do have an idea of what would be fun to put together, but have not thought about publishers or publishing, who to contact etc., the business side of it is all a fog to me. Thank you Dewin for being such a helpful and generous friend <3
Always a pleasure Cindy, thank you. Have fun with your choices and decisions – good luck with your endeavours! Publish yourself or through an agent, there is always possibility and opportunity to choose.
They are indeed the best neighbors possible! Today it was Mama Roadrunner and her chick. Mama just ambles over and pecks baby bunny on the butt, and bunny looks at her with this, “I ain’t moving look,” and wins! The Holler is a trip and I am glad you travel here regularly Rebecca <3
So amazing that you were able to capture these little gems. They are so fast. I do like to watch them eat. We use to have a feeder out front, but it became such a chore and they would be at the window when the feeder would empty looking in like “hello” “Where’s the food” The feeder broke and we didn’t get a new one. They are so cute though.
Yes, it can be a chore at times. They definitely love to nag you if the feeder is empty. They will hover directly at eye level until I get up to go refill it.
Ms.. Knoke, we only have one resident hummingbird at our backyard….. that one hummingbird doesn’t want to share the food , and shoos away any hummingbird that tries to drink from the feeder. ~_~
Yes, this definitely happens when you have one bird that has a chance to become super territorial. He will give up feeding, spend all his time driving other birds away, and hog huge feeders for himself. There are two things to do, one is move the feeder to another side of your house, but if he is the first to find it, you are out of luck. The sure fire method is to hang another feeder on another side of your house and tint it with a few drops of red food coloring to start, which will attract birds. He cannot defend two feeders. Once you have an established group at the second feeder, you can shut down the other, or keep two going if you have a big enough n to support both feeders. If hummers are in your area, and it sounds like they are, they will come to the feeders, especially as heat waves are now moving in. Good luck!
Cindy, I can’t even begin to imagine how you capture these images, but I just have to say thank you for sharing them with us. Unbelievable. I love them.
Amazing images, Cindy.
The second-last shot is particularly good. I really don’t know how you get them in focus when they’re moving so fast. You must have had a lot of practice over the years.
Thank you more for appreciating them! I will be in gorgeous Tiburon in a few days, visiting my daughter who is expecting twins!!! Can’t wait to be on the other side of the bridge….
They can inflict damage on each other, but most just bluff and bluster. They fly within an inch or so of my eyes with total precision. I tend to close my eyes when they do this! Laughing……
Yikes!! No fun! There is severe heat warning for the whole region. We are about 1 1/2 hours drive from PS and it is very hot here. It may get into the 120’s where you are. Don’t sit directly on your car seats. It is hard to do anything in this type of heat and the hummingbird feeders will overheat. Be careful.
Hi Cindy! Your photographs are beyond excellent, as usual, my friend. They’re just so breathtakingly clear even though the subjects in lightning fast motion. Such a wonder and pleasure to look at! 🙂
Yesterday I saw a sweet hummer on my zinnias a few time, grabbed my camera, but never was able to capture a good shot. He/She is so fast…gone before I can get close.
Wear a red something and sit in a chair and prepare to relax in your garden near the zinnias. If you don’t move much, they will eventually come closer, and may even get brave enough to investigate you, buy buzzing quite near your face, which is a thrill. If you get nervous, close your eyes, but don’t move, and they will fly off, but will still hang around the zinnias. They just have to get used to you being there.
Good advice Cindy…thanks. I was able to get a photo yesterday, although it is not a close-up…I saw one…as you said around the zinnias, and it flew into the bare branches of the pines. I was able to photograph it from there, but most were blurry. I did get a couple and was thrilled to have those. I love the idea to wear red. I would have never thought of that. Thanks.
It does, and the differences are quite subtle. Anna’s hummingbirds have the green coloration on their backs and mf hummingbirds have green abdomens. I have never seen a mf hummer and would love too!
Brilliant Cindy!! Favorite photo was the still hummingbird (next to last) — such beautiful subtle colors! We have hummingbirds too– and a next in our climbing rose for a while, but now she’s gone. Happy summer there! xox
The fact that you look forward to seeing the creatures close-up means the world to me, because I love seeing them close-up than most any other thing. Thank you for sharing this with me. <3
COUCOU CINDY
J’ai un jardin enchanté
il n’est pas très grand
c’est un petit coin mais ; il t’est destiné
Tu peux t’y reposer, même cueillir quelques fleurs
que j’ai fait pousser avec tout mon cœur
Certaines sont très gaies, parfumées et très colorées
D’autres sont petites, insignifiantes et peu odorantes,
Dans mon jardin, tout est utile
tu peux y trouver une source de réconfort.
de l’amour , de l’amitié si désiré et surtout d’être écouté
je te souhaite une belle journée ou bonne soirée
Belle semaine et plein de bonnes choses pour toi
je te fais de gros bisous.
Bernard
You sure have a lot of them! They’re such beautiful birds. So much POW in one small package!
Yes, we have feeding stations and they are amazing creatures, like aerial ballerinas!
Yes! I love seeing them.
Ditto <3 <3
These birds are so cute, Cindy. 🙂
Aren’t they beauties! Cheers to you Ranu <3
Thanks for the gorgeous pic’s Cindy, they’ve flown all the way to Geelong ☺️😉
They love it that you love them, all the way to Geelong <3
😊 😊
<3 <3
Hummers are wondrous and beautiful at the same time. Great photos, Cindy; it’s no mean fate to capture them in such detail given how fast they move, and the unbelievable frequency of their wing beats! Oh to have so many in the yard at one time! We’re luck to see one occasionally!
Sometimes we eat al fresco but it is a tad disconcerting with hummers buzzing your food and face! Hugs to you Peter~
you always manage to get such amazing photos of the little treasures
Ahhh, I love the little buzzers & you too <3
Nice photo journal Cindy.
Thanks Frank & cheers to you!
Nice photo journal Cindy
<3 <3
Wonderful captures, Cindy! I imagine the air is awhirl with their comings and goings. 🙂
It is indeed and they never bump into you unless they want too!
Hummingbirds do hip checks?? 😉
They do! And They buzz so close to my eyes, it makes my eyes cross, so I just close them!
Love them! They sound like little helicopters! 🚁
They buzz the beejuzus out of you! <3
😆
What marvellous, and wonderful little creatures; thanks Cindy, for sharing these amazing pics.
Thank you much more for appreciating them & cheers to you!
Winged Lighting, a very appropriate name for these birds! This year I’ve been neglecting ours, but after reading this post, I will put the hummingbird feeder out.
Oh wonderful! I can’t wait to see the photos.
Such great photos Cindy. It must be wonderful to be able to watch them coming and going.
Alison
And nagging you when the feeders are empty. They are quite clever little buzzers!
I was just enjoying our hummies on the patio. Beautiful photos, Cindy! <3
Thank you Jill & I am so glad you are have their amazing company!
Amazing captures!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Incredibly lovely photographs, beautiful creatures!
Oh, thank you! Their personalities match their looks.
It does indeed!😍
Lovely photos! Humming birds are so very interesting. The necessity of the torpor state, the amount of heartbeats per minute, why the feathers look iridescent in certain light, and many other facts make them a unique member of the bird family.
Yes they are fascinating creatures, the only birds that can fly backwards, the smallest birds in the world, and they migrate 1000’s of miles. They flash their colors at will, as signals, and they nag me to no end when the feeders are empty!
Wow! Thank you Cindy, as few people ever have a chance to see such detail of a hummingbird. I am in awe. 🙂
Ahhh, what a lovely comment! The hummers, and I, thank you & send you cheers~
You are most welcome, Cindy!
<3
Aren’t they gorgeous little creatures? Thanks for sharing the pictures, Cindy.
We have some, too, but our hummingbird-feeders are not in such a bright sunlight. So their colours don’t show up that nicely. But we love top watch them, whirring around.
Have a wonderfule weekend,
Pit
Thank you my friend. The light, and your position, does make so much difference. Keep on enjoying our winged wonders & cheers back to you!
🙂
They are fast!! Great shots, Cindy! I managed to capture one with my lens (on Instagram today) perched.
Good for you! It is a big thrill isn’t it!
TY, Cindy! The hummers are incredibly gorgeous! It’s always a treat to see them.
The hummers and I thank you & send you good cheer!
Amazing, pics!!!!
Merci beaucoup mon ami <3
Fantastic photos Cindy!
Thank you & have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for taking such good pictures and sharing a part of your wonderful world.
Ahhh, what kind sentiments! Thank you & cheers too~
Stellar shots, Cindy! 🙂
Thank you & I am so glad you enjoyed them!
They need sugar because they use up a lot of energy to fly so fast.
Exactly! There hearts can beat over 1200 beats per minute!
Beautiful. You are still the master of closeup capture. Do you shoot in bursts to capture them in flight?
I don’t which makes me really strange I know. I like to focus each shot and get in sort of a rhythm with the birds natural movements so I know when to click. If I am off rhythm, it won’t work.
You do it very well.
Ah, thank you John. You are a wonderful friend and person.
Fantastic images, wow!
Honored. Thank you very much!
Fascinating and beautiful creatures Cindy. We have nothing like that here.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I love sharing the hummers with wonderful friends who appreciate them, like you David. Be well <3
You always make me smile, with the gems your heart captures and shares! Love you my sister! God bless!
Oh, God Bless you my sweet friend. Every time I hear from you it makes me happy.
These are the most stunning photos of hummers I have ever seen!
Oh, Dor. Your comment kinda make my cry. Much love to you sweet one <3
So many of them – they are so beautiful and so are your photos. 🙂
Thank you. I don’t know what they are really, except amazing.
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
More pictures of the lovely, tiny hummers by Cindy Knoke.
Love to you Patricia, always <3
Aw, they’re so sweet. I love your hummers ❤️
Trust me on this, they love you too <3
These photos are fantastic. Love seeing the hummers up close.
Ahhh, so great to hear from you Your bravery makes you one of the people I most especially love. <3
Beautiful
It takes beauty to see it Winfred. Love to you <3
Love to you too. Keep up the good work!
You too <3 <3
So beautiful ! 🙂 So delicate !
They are amazing aren’t they & they weigh less than a dime & yet can migrate 1000’s of miles! Delicate yet strong.
🙂
Amazingly captured, Cindy! You have so many of them, wow…
Thanks so much! We have a stable group of around 40 hummingbirds in our garden.
Wow, 40!! 💖😍
During the peak of the drought it was even more!
I never stop loving and admiring these pictures.
Ahh, thank you. This makes me happy because I love hummingbirds too!
I saw humming-birds in the Silicon Valley
Wonderful! My daughter lives there and she has them at her feeder.
Thank you for showing all this beauty Cindy. Like Winged lightening, what a wonderful description.
miriam
Thank you more for such kind sentiments & cheers to you~
Beautiful pics, Cindy
Merci beaucoup mon ami~
Still incredible, no matter how many times you share them, Cindy 🙂 🙂
Thank you Jo. I try to limit myself to posting about them about once every three months. It takes discipline to resist.
🙂 🙂
You must be so patient to capture such clear photos Cindy
Birds relax me, possibly because they are so hyperactive, they have a calming effect! 😉
These birds are amazing! Its like they seem to defy gravity the way they hover in the air.
Yes, they can hover and they are the only birds that can fly backwards!
How beautiful. Stunning photos. I am trying to take pictures of the birds on the feeders here and it is so difficult. Hats off to you.
Thank you very much. I hope you stick with it. Photographing hummers is it’s own kind of Zen. It makes you live totally in the moment.
Wonderful
Thank you Derrick & cheers to you~
Liebe Cindy, das ist wieder herrlich, lasse es dir gut gehen.
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund!
Amazing birds!
They are tiny flying miracles!
I just love hummingbirds and you have captured them beautifully. I have a draft post of the “hummer look-alike moth” I will be sharing soon.
The hummingbird moth! I look forward to seeing it. I had a heck of a time once trying to convince a person who didn’t live in hummingbird habitat, that what they were seeing was a moth and not a bird. I don’t think they believed me!
So lovely to see the hummers again. And happy that your camera can cope with their lightning speed.
They are not in the least least intimidated by human beings, which is pretty remarkable since they are the smallest birds in the world! So happy you appreciate them as I do & cheers to you~
Cindy, thank you for this Saturday morning sense of wonder. I’ve always been amazed that something so tiny could be so fast. Hummingbird hugs!
Yes. Everything about them defies logic. They can migrate non-stop across The Gulf of Mexico, and they weigh less than a dime! Thank you for appreciating my buddies Teagan & cheers to you my friend <3
Beautiful and amazing photographs.
Hugs & cheers to you sweet friend <3
Pingback: Winged Lightning~ — | Rethinking Life
Hugs to you Gigi!
Amazing shots.
I am honored. Thank you.
Excuse me if you have answered this before, Cindy, but what equipment do you use?
All of my bird photos are taken with my Sony HX400. Landscapes with my Sony RX10 IV.
Thank you.
<3
I have a Sony Cybershot but struggle to get any sort of decent quality with moving objects, and birds such as these would seem an impossibility, as the electronic lens cannot focus quick enough.
How do you manage such excellent clarity?
The RX 10 IV is an incredibly fast camera, but funnily, I use it for landscapes, and not birds in motion. I don’t like using photo bursts for birds. I basically have observed birds my whole life and was obsessed with them as a child. I get into the rhythm of their movement. When it is working, I am ready for where they are going before they get there, and it is like we are in perfect synch. When I am a nano-second off, it is like a dance partner who can’t anticipate your next move, everything just slightly off. When this happens, I pause, and get back into the rhythm, before I take the next shot. It is like a one… and a two,,,, and let’s dance!
Here’s what you might try. Watch the birds you want to photograph through your lens for awhile, your eye will naturally start to track them, when you get a sense of their movement and rhythm, anticipate where they will go, and there you will be, perfect shot! It takes practice, but is tons of fun, and is Zen like in it’s effect on you. You are utterly in the moment with the birds. Best of luck!
Thanks for the tips.
Let me know if it works for you & you are most welcome <3
Have been experimenting this morning on Manuel and adjusting the shutter speed.
Some interesting results.
Oh excellent! Stick with it. It is fun, and you will get better and better! Our brains and eyes work together much faster than we know.
It is getting used to the functions of the camera. Normally I just set everything on auto and click away, especially if I am doing Street photography.
But this won’t cut it with the Cybershot when photographing birds or animals in motion.
I’ll figure it out eventually.
You will. Practice is the key!
Wonderful photos Cindy! Hummers rarely sit still for photos. 🙂 But they sure are beautiful, and amazing flyers, able to fly up, back, down, anyway they want!
Don’t you love it when they levitate at hyper-sonic speeds about a hundred feet up, and then dove bomb an opponent with pinpoint accuracy! They are remarkable.
Yes they are!
Brilliant focus and amazingly captured in flight!
Humbled and honored. Thank you & cheers too~
very beautiful! <3
They are little flying jewels. I am glad you like them.
Namaste Cindy 🙂
Your photographs of these astonishing aviators are superb: so rich in colour, so detailed, and so descriptive. I like them all of course, but the little dude in the 6th photo is my favourite: he looks like he can’t make up mind whether to sit or fly. Your photographs seem to get better and better each time I visit. Thank you 🙂
I put your lyrical text together to form first stanza in a short poem.
Of all The Holler’s flying folks
Hummer’s are the fastest of the fast.
They pause only seconds to sip,
Then flash like lightening passed.
~
This flying flock of fast folk,
Whose sequined feathers hum the air,
These dashing darting denizens,
Display such iridescent flare.
~
Jackets of green scintillating,
Prominent against deep blue,
Where there for you: your camera too,
Hovering supping nectar-dew.
~
Until dizzy, giddy, altogether unsteady,
When then upon a spindling stem:
Perching poaching beneath hot sun,
Merrily singing the Hummer’s Hum.
~*~
Hoping all is well. Have a great weekend.
Take care. Namaste 🙂
DN
You are the most delightful and talented friend Dewin. Be well my friend and thank you for adding wonder to the world <3 <3
Thank you for your sense of wonder: for photographing the wonderful so wonderfully and sharing it here…it’s a delight to view your work. Thank you.
Take care. Namaste <3
DN
Blogging is so wonderful. It connects me with wonderful people like you. <3
Your warm sentiment is entirely reciprocated, thank you Cindy, Namaste 🙂 Connections are always important.
I wonder if you’ve considered publishing your photographs and lyrical commentary in book form?
Namaste 🙂
DN
I haven’t considered it, but maybe I should. Do you have any thoughts in mind?
Namaste Cindy 🙂
I imagine there are many possibilities and permutations when considering publishing and all dependant on how you wish to present your work: its style, layout and content. For example, a large format coffee-table style book would give your photographs presence and allow detail to be explored and appreciated whereas something smaller might allow more intimacy defined by your singularly unique perspective and concentrate more on text or associated commentary. The content could be tailored to reflect your immediate interests and passions – perhaps an unusual take on the wild-life and bird-life at the Holler – or maybe it might offer a broader appreciation of the natural world arising in the area in which you live: you have a passion for birds yet also a passion for the environment and its habitants as well. Since you also have a keen interest in travel and exploration your tome might offer illumed reflection on areas you’ve visited – or plan to visit – and be supported by examples from your photographic library. You may decide your volume should be created alone and be wholly representative of yourself or be produced in collaboration with others who share your interests and passion: individuals knowledgeable of the area you live in, or other writers, artists, poets whose work reflect the landscape in some way etc. You might even decide to accept submissions for inclusion from elsewhere – from others with whom you connect – or perhaps work on a collaborative project with another. The possibilities are endless and the world is your oyster in how you approach design and shape your publication: you are a creative person and I’ve no doubt your ideas would flow unabated if you chose to proceed with a book. I also imagine you’d make a fantastic job of it as well 🙂
It’s certainly something to consider as you enjoy Sunday and the week ahead 🙂
Take care. Namaste 🙂
DN
Oh, yes, thank you for such creative and great ideas, and for taking the time to suggest them. I do have an idea of what would be fun to put together, but have not thought about publishers or publishing, who to contact etc., the business side of it is all a fog to me. Thank you Dewin for being such a helpful and generous friend <3
Always a pleasure Cindy, thank you. Have fun with your choices and decisions – good luck with your endeavours! Publish yourself or through an agent, there is always possibility and opportunity to choose.
Have fun!
Namaste good friend <3
DN
I will check it out. Thank you again for being such a wonderful friend <3
Thank you for friendship. Good luck!
Namaste <3
DN
We love hummingbirds here … at least you captured a hummingbird that we don’t have here!
It is so fun to see the different types. We have one Rufous here now. He has been here for several years. He’s beautiful.
Enjoy! We like watching our one species here as they are very territorial.
They certainly are. These tiny guys pack a mean punch!
You have the best neighbours. They bring joy to you and all of us who live miles away the the holler. Hugs!
They are indeed the best neighbors possible! Today it was Mama Roadrunner and her chick. Mama just ambles over and pecks baby bunny on the butt, and bunny looks at her with this, “I ain’t moving look,” and wins! The Holler is a trip and I am glad you travel here regularly Rebecca <3
Wow….from the blurred wings in can imagine their speed!! Great capture !!
Thank you for noticing and taking the time to comment & cheers to you!
I smile at their speedy antics … and appreciate your amazing captures Cindy 💛
They are a source of continual delight. Hugs to you Val <3
Wow! Mine won’t share.
Yes, with smaller numbers, one bird can become quite the greedy little tyrant!
Pingback: I’ll see your Hummingbirds, and raise you… | John's Space …..
I am so lucky to blog. I get to make friends like you. Thank you John & be well.
I’ll see your Hummingbirds, and raise you… https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2018/07/21/ill-see-your-hummingbirds-and-raise-you/
Love them and the lovely garden! Well done. Btw, I love your photos of the idyllic garden scene they depict. Thank you for your kindness my friend.
Beautiful images Cindy, the Hummers seem to be the fastest when I point my camera at them 🙂
They definitely do this in purpose! 😉
Hummers certainly Are so fast – which makes your beautiful photography all the more amazing! It’s always such a treat to linger here. Thank you!
Ahhhh, what a lovely thing to say! It makes me very happy that I blog and meet kind people like you <3
Such wonderful shots, Cindy. Joyous, busy birds.
Thank you very much Jane. I can understand why they go into torpor at night. I do this too, and I am in now way as busy as them! 😉
Oh man, you’ve got to check out “Smarter Everyday” and their hummingbird stuff. You’d get a kick out of it.
Yeah, just checked it out, quite awesome & super creative! Thanks for the tip & cheers~
Beautiful captures! 💕
Mille grazie <3
Prego 🙏🏻
Beautiful, Cindy! I love your shots of your avian friends. 🙂
Thank you! I am so glad you did. They are my best buddies <3
So amazing that you were able to capture these little gems. They are so fast. I do like to watch them eat. We use to have a feeder out front, but it became such a chore and they would be at the window when the feeder would empty looking in like “hello” “Where’s the food” The feeder broke and we didn’t get a new one. They are so cute though.
Yes, it can be a chore at times. They definitely love to nag you if the feeder is empty. They will hover directly at eye level until I get up to go refill it.
Ms.. Knoke, we only have one resident hummingbird at our backyard….. that one hummingbird doesn’t want to share the food , and shoos away any hummingbird that tries to drink from the feeder. ~_~
Yes, this definitely happens when you have one bird that has a chance to become super territorial. He will give up feeding, spend all his time driving other birds away, and hog huge feeders for himself. There are two things to do, one is move the feeder to another side of your house, but if he is the first to find it, you are out of luck. The sure fire method is to hang another feeder on another side of your house and tint it with a few drops of red food coloring to start, which will attract birds. He cannot defend two feeders. Once you have an established group at the second feeder, you can shut down the other, or keep two going if you have a big enough n to support both feeders. If hummers are in your area, and it sounds like they are, they will come to the feeders, especially as heat waves are now moving in. Good luck!
Cindy, I can’t imagine how you captured such clear shots of these gorgeous hummers — well done!!
Well, thank you so much! Very happy to know you enjoyed them <3
I love the close-ups, Cindy. They’re too fast for me to catch otherwise!
I see them better when I look at the photos too. May camera is better than my eyes!
Lovely photos, Cindy. We have a couple of hummers that stop by every day. I’ve put a feeder out, but they much prefer my flowers.
So pleased you have their wonderful company & cheers to you!
Cindy, I can’t even begin to imagine how you capture these images, but I just have to say thank you for sharing them with us. Unbelievable. I love them.
Awww, so sweet! Thank you! I have the most rockin-bloggin friends, like you, who make blogging such a pure joy! Be well Sheila <3
Amazing images, Cindy.
The second-last shot is particularly good. I really don’t know how you get them in focus when they’re moving so fast. You must have had a lot of practice over the years.
Thank you Vicki! Definitely the practice is the key. The birds train your brain and eye, smart birdies!
I love hummingbirds ! They sometimes visit me in my garden. These are gorgeous shots Cindy. Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you more for appreciating them! I will be in gorgeous Tiburon in a few days, visiting my daughter who is expecting twins!!! Can’t wait to be on the other side of the bridge….
How super exciting!!! Enjoy ❤️
<3 <3
Such petite and delicate little creatures. Dainty like, but I bet they could defend themselves with those pointy long beaks I imagine. 🙂
They can inflict damage on each other, but most just bluff and bluster. They fly within an inch or so of my eyes with total precision. I tend to close my eyes when they do this! Laughing……
You are a photographic magician! Stunning shots!
You are a wonderful friend, my friend. Thank you!
I’m in Palm Springs again, but I haven’t seen a single hummingbird. Today is supposed to be ungodly hot. Ugh.
Yikes!! No fun! There is severe heat warning for the whole region. We are about 1 1/2 hours drive from PS and it is very hot here. It may get into the 120’s where you are. Don’t sit directly on your car seats. It is hard to do anything in this type of heat and the hummingbird feeders will overheat. Be careful.
Gratefully leaving tomorrow. Feel sorrow for my in-laws, but they aren’t even likely to go out. 🙂
Such great shots, Cindy – you must have a very steady hand, tripod, camera, eye etc. Wonderful clarity. RH
Oh thank you, very kind and most appreciated! BTW, I never use a tripod, it prevents me from moving with the bird. Cheers to you!
Simply beautiful. I’ve seen those little guys in fleeting action. <3
They do tend to pick up the rpms, but I am glad you have the chance to be around them <3
<3
Hi Cindy! Your photographs are beyond excellent, as usual, my friend. They’re just so breathtakingly clear even though the subjects in lightning fast motion. Such a wonder and pleasure to look at! 🙂
Awww, a comment from you my friend, always makes my <3 smile. I hope all is well with you & thank you for such kindness~
They seem to have the grace of a ballerina. Outstanding series!
Yes! Aerial Ballerinas, who never touch the ground. It sounds like a new poem.
Yesterday I saw a sweet hummer on my zinnias a few time, grabbed my camera, but never was able to capture a good shot. He/She is so fast…gone before I can get close.
Wear a red something and sit in a chair and prepare to relax in your garden near the zinnias. If you don’t move much, they will eventually come closer, and may even get brave enough to investigate you, buy buzzing quite near your face, which is a thrill. If you get nervous, close your eyes, but don’t move, and they will fly off, but will still hang around the zinnias. They just have to get used to you being there.
Good advice Cindy…thanks. I was able to get a photo yesterday, although it is not a close-up…I saw one…as you said around the zinnias, and it flew into the bare branches of the pines. I was able to photograph it from there, but most were blurry. I did get a couple and was thrilled to have those. I love the idea to wear red. I would have never thought of that. Thanks.
Great images…you are so creative dear….
Thank you very much & cheers to you!
Reblogging to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
So kind of you and so appreciated too! Thank you & have a wonderful weekend~
You too!
<3
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A lovely hummingbird just graced me with its delight… such joy! 🌸
How wonderful! Very happy for you & cheers too!
Cheers! 💖
looks like an Ampio maschio-fatturati Hummingbird
It does, and the differences are quite subtle. Anna’s hummingbirds have the green coloration on their backs and mf hummingbirds have green abdomens. I have never seen a mf hummer and would love too!
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Thanks much & cheers to you!
fantastic<3
Thank you & very pleased you enjoyed them!
My pleasure ❤️
Only the eye of an accomplished artist can capture beauty in movement.
That is an incredibly kind thing to say. Thank you <3
They are amazing. They continuously spend so much energy that they need nectar sugars continuously
Yes their hearts can beat over 1200 beats per minute, and they can take 250 breaths in the same time frame~
Brilliant Cindy!! Favorite photo was the still hummingbird (next to last) — such beautiful subtle colors! We have hummingbirds too– and a next in our climbing rose for a while, but now she’s gone. Happy summer there! xox
Happy summer to you and your family Rhonda <3
WOW. Absolutely gorgeous action shots, Cindy!! Outstandingly good and SO beautiful. <3
Awww, I love having friends like you <3
You captured so much beauty here!
Merci beaucoup mon ami <3
Great photos, Cindy! I have tried to take photos of hummingbirds, and while I have captured a few, they are mostly blurry!
It does take quite a bit of practice, so I hope you stay with it. It will come to you.
I am speechless every single time I see your hummingbird pictures! Wow…
Ahhhh, I am speechless by the kindness of your comment. Thank you Alexander & be well.
Such amazing shots!
You are a lovely friend Lyn <3
Thanks so much Cindy! You are as well ❤️
<3 <3
Love these guys. We have them all over our place 🙂
Lucky you! They are awesome family members.
I mean, words fail to convey how awesome are your photos. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I would have to write an essay.
I love your photos too! And I love my wonderfully kind blogging friends like you.
Wonderful pictures of the litle bird. Beautiful captured.
I am very happy you enjoyed & cheers to you!
You DO magic.
Alberto Mrteh (El zoco del escriba)
You are very kind & most appreciated! Thank you & cheers to you~
You’ve got such stunning talent for capturing amazing close up shots. I always look forward to your wonderfully picturesque posts. 🙂
The fact that you look forward to seeing the creatures close-up means the world to me, because I love seeing them close-up than most any other thing. Thank you for sharing this with me. <3
Wow!!!
<3
COUCOU CINDY
J’ai un jardin enchanté
il n’est pas très grand
c’est un petit coin mais ; il t’est destiné
Tu peux t’y reposer, même cueillir quelques fleurs
que j’ai fait pousser avec tout mon cœur
Certaines sont très gaies, parfumées et très colorées
D’autres sont petites, insignifiantes et peu odorantes,
Dans mon jardin, tout est utile
tu peux y trouver une source de réconfort.
de l’amour , de l’amitié si désiré et surtout d’être écouté
je te souhaite une belle journée ou bonne soirée
Belle semaine et plein de bonnes choses pour toi
je te fais de gros bisous.
Bernard
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
As ever great shots! Lucky you.
Much appreciated & hugs to you <3