I have spent the last few years learning as much as I can about Hummingbirds. They are fascinating to watch and provide all the entertainment we need in our backyard every summer. I have the schedule down now. The Anna’s and Black-chinned show up the first week of May here. They may be around earlier but that is the earliest I have seen them. We put out the feeders at this time. We carefully tend those making sure they are clean and fungus free changing the water often. The little birds seem to really need it this week as we have had very cold weather and it may snow tonight. They have been visiting often.
In mid-July we get hordes of rampaging Rufous Hummingbirds. They fight over the flowers and feeders non-stop. I don’t see many of the other types once the Rufous take over. I replaced many of my shrubs and perennials with plants that attract Hummingbirds last fall and I am anxiously awaiting bloom and boom time with the hummers.
I took these photos using my new blind which works quite nicely in the backyard. I set it up draped over my tripod near this birds favorite perch for several hours and then ducked under it late this afternoon. It did not seem to care or notice me in it.
Northern Desert Photography 
Lovely
Thank you Boeta. 🙂
Great job.. these little guys are hard to get sharply!
They are difficult but that is what makes it so fun. 🙂
And you did it perfectly!
Thanks! 🙂
Awww they are so cute ! I love the green feathers.
I think they are adorable. So tiny and delicate. Thanks for looking. 🙂
I love the detail of the feathers and how the colours have come through. Beautiful photographs! 🙂
Thank you. Yes the feathers look like scales when you look at the detail. Thank you so much. 🙂
They are very fascinating indeed!!
Thank you Maria. 🙂
They’re so pretty. I’ve seen a couple here but I think they’re just advance scouts. The bulk of them haven’t arrived yet.
I think we have a similar climate and situation. I won’t see them in large numbers until July. Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
Very, very nice, I like the first photo in particular – the contrast between bird and background is just superb.
Thank you Maurice. I got lucky with that natural set up in my back yard. 🙂
Btw, which lens have you used to get those shots?
I used the Tamron 150-600mm with my Canon 7dmII. Worked nicely I think. I like to use this combo for tiny birds.
How much did you pay them to sit still? 🙂
Ha ha. It only cost me a tiny bit of sugar water. 😉
We use to get lots of Anna’s in L.A.–I miss them!!! Thx for sharing these adorable pics!
You are welcome Lori. Thanks for visiting and enjoying them. 🙂
I love Hummingbirds! This is my first spring/summer here in the desert and I have been pleasantly surprised at the number of “Hummers” in my neighborhood. They flit in and out of the trees and I saw one resting on a branch! I had never seen one still for so long.
I love them too. One of the many things I have learned about them is that they do sit on perches for a long time. Thanks for visiting and looking and may you enjoy many visits with Hummers this summer. 🙂
Great capture~ beautiful!
They are beautiful. I love watching them. Thank you. 🙂
Way too stunning! Whenever I see hummingbirds flying, I become mesmerized. Great shots! 🙂
Thank you Eva. 🙂
Fantastic shots, Alison! 🙂
Thank you Calee! 🙂
These images are simply beautiful – great camera work! I am always reminded of my favourite quote from Papyrus when I see these little wisps of perfection in the bird world:
Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.
Thanks for sharing those wonderful thoughts on hummingbirds earthstills. Native Americans have many beautiful legends about the hummingbirds. 🙂
Gorgeous photos! I just saw my first hummingbird yesterday. They go crazy for the trumpet vines outside, and they’ll often swoop from one plant to the other, sometimes hovering within a foot of your head. They sound like miniature jets buzzing past. Looking forward to seeing more as summer unfolds.
Thank you Allen. In July when the Rufous show up we often compare the aerobatics to a Blue Angel show. 🙂
Beautiful. I can’t find a Like button, but here’s my emphatic Like.
Thanks Ellen! 🙂
Simply beautiful.
Thanks Tom. 🙂
Wow! So nice to have hummingbirds visit your backyard garden! I can imagine how much fun it is to watch these little guys 🙂
Thanks Pieter. It is the highlight of my summer to have them as guests. 🙂
Good grief, that’s good photography! They’re so calm and pretty.
Thank you so much. I spend a lot of time watching the little guys. More to come. 🙂
Wow! Thank you for saying such kind things about my blog. Means a lot to me. 🙂
I used to love bird watching so much as a kid. Now I live in the city and it’s not as easy to find birds to watch (besides pigeons). Birds are so beautiful and amazing!
Birds are the bomb! 🙂