Broad-billed Hummingbird 2020
© 2019 RGallucci Photography

There are many indications of the season's change in the southern Arizona high desert. The chilly weather turns more mellow, harkening carpets of Wildflower blossoms across the valley floors. Almost overnight, poppies explode across the arid landscape, transforming the dull, forsaken valleys into vibrant sheets of sunshine yellow. But nothing heralds springtimes return more than the return of the hummingbirds to the desert.

This small corner of Cochise County is ground zero for the hummingbird resurgence. Springtime is when the migrant species join the native Anna's hummingbirds at the feeders, changing these genial island stations into territorial battlegrounds. Avid observers often spend hours monitoring their yards to count and catalog the influx.

Migration seemed late this year. At this time last year, the numbers in my yard were significant, and the battles epic. But up until today, I have had only a few Rufous joining the Anna's in the yard. That changed this morning when they were briefly joined by what may be the most beautiful of the U.S. hummers, the Broad-billed Hummingbird. These opulent visions shimmer in translucent shades of blue and green that set off their ruby-red bills. Unfortunately for me, an Anna's that has taken ownership of the yard did not feel the same and, in short order, chased the bird away.

In the end, though, just its brief visit helped to remind me that in this time of great stress and concern around the world, there is still unrivaled beauty for each of us to experience. We need only take the time to observe the miracle of this world's creation around us. I pray for all to have safe passage and health.

I remain his scribe.

Broad-billed Hummingbird 2020
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: March 22, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias:0 EV
ISO: ISO 400
Lens:EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM @ 800 mm