Flight of the Hummingbird - 2017

May 15, 2017  •  Leave a Comment

Ruby-throated Hiummingbird-1 2017Ruby-throated Hiummingbird-1 2017To each their own when it comes to how they define relaxing. For me, it is sitting in the backyard on a sunny day with my 400mm lens glued to the spot where I know our Hummingbirds will fly in to feed. The goal is a couple of good shots.

Hummingbirds only fly in for about 15 seconds to feed. They are about one inch long and blazingly fast, so there are a lot more missed shots than keepers. I did get a couple I like today. Here is the first.
Shoot Date: May 14, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/2.8 1 EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM @ 400 mm
ISO: 250
It is an annual ritual. Shortly after the return of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to our yard, on the first clear and sunny day, I set up my camera and wait for one to fly in. Photographing a hummingbird takes a combination of patience, proper settings, and a long lens. In this case, I used my 400mm 2.8 lens in order to shoot as fast as possible (TV: 2000) and the smallest aperture (AV:2.8). This allowed me to snap many shots in the incredibly short 15 to 30 seconds that the hummingbirds fly in.  For me, there is a serene pleasure in being able to go through the images and examine more closely the incredible biomechanics of this tiny bird. I hope you enjoy. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird-II 2017Ruby-throated Hummingbird-II 2017Another from todays hummongbird session.
Shoot Date: May 14, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/3.2 1 ²⁄₃ EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM @ 400 mm
ISO: 2500
Flight of the Hummingbird (RTHU)Flight of the Hummingbird (RTHU)I believe this is that last of my Ruby-throated Hummingbird shots and it is my favorite. I am fascinated with the way the bird can manipulate its wings to maneuver in the air.
Shoot Date: May 14, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/2.8 1 EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM @ 400 mm
ISO: 250


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