Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2

I’ve been experimenting with photographing hummingbirds as they fly to our feeder.  It’s quite an exercise in patience.  This little female comes regularly but sometimes it’s 15-20 minutes between her visits.  I captured this image recently after waiting for about 45 minutes.  It was her third visit but the only one with sharp enough focus and good enough lighting to share.

In past years I’ve noticed the hummingbirds come more frequently later in the summer.  Perhaps there are simply more of them after they’ve raised a brood or two?  Or maybe there are just fewer feeding options for them?  Whatever the cause, I’m hoping to get more images before they migrate south for the winter.

Busy Hummingbird Feeder

This hummingbird feeder was literally buzzing with activity.  Here you can see three female Ruby Throated Hummingbirds perched on the feeder.  They all stopped to look as the male approached from the right.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that breeds in the Eastern United States.  This female stopped by the feeder on my deck long enough for me to get this photo.

Hovering Male Hummingbird

A male Ruby Throated Hummingbird hovers near a feeder while his female companion enjoys a drink.