Oh, Anna!

Anna's Hummingbird, that is...

I've not been much of a participant in the forums here for the past year or more but that's mostly because I also haven't been doing much photography during that timespan. Lately I've had the urge to "get back into it" and since a pair of Anna's Hummingbirds have been making our backyard their winter residence I decided to train my camera on them.

This is the male of the pair.

20D with 300/4L + 1.4xTC, ISO 400, 1/125 @ f5.6

I've missed your work and presence, Geoff.. this is an outstanding shot! Very lucky to have this pair so close by there..

Hey, Ned, good to hear from you! I enjoy having this very tiny pair so close. I want to be getting some in-flight shots but for that I'm really going to have to break out my 580ex (and really learn how to use it!).

I'm still shooting with the 20D which leaves AF a bit in question (IMO) and I've been tempted by the 40D but I guess I'm still waiting to see what the 5DMkII is going to look like. Also, I've been hearing very good reports about the D300 and its AF capabilities for birds in flight, so that might also be a possibility for an upgrade...

Wow - that's amazing detail, Geoff! I did a double take on this one... really impressive color! The background is perfect, too.

Thanks, Tom! These two little hummers make my job a little bit easier than I'd have imagined. They like to perch on two Rose of Sharon shrubs in my backyard and then they are also pretty fearless, letting me get to within 8 feet or so as long as I move slowly and deliberately in towards them.

I'm going to post one or two more from the hummer shots in the next few days to really illustrate how slight changes in light angle can radically change the appearance of those iridescent throat and head feathers.

Absolutely brilliant shot, Geoff! The one I took in AZ last Spring, and posted recently in Gen'l Discussion, was taken in the afternoon in sunny weather. I liked by light/shadow/color combo and still do, but the color and detail in this shot of yours is marvelous. I get what you mean about small changes in lighting or angle of view making a big difference with iridescent feathers. Wow. I'm going to enjoy the upcoming hummer season very much, again, for the challenges, since I'm not a regular, or very enthusiastic, bird photographer. The birds are trying to convert me, though, I think!

Catherine, thanks for your comments. My shot didn't have the lighting conditions I'd have liked (note the slower than I'd like shutter speed). I'd love to go down to AZ and shoot pics of the hummers down there (greater variety and better lighting!). You'd think with a sister in Phoenix that I'd get down there but I haven't yet...

Have you tried using flash for your hummer shots? I've got a steep learning curve to do just that.

Excellent to see you again buddy! I've been thinking about when we'd get to see you on here again. Hope you are doing well!

This image is another awesome addition to your avian collection!

Hey, Rick! It's great to hear from you. I am doing pretty good but it's been a very busy time the last year since I started my new job. We need to plan a trip for this spring (Malheur sounded good to me - want to try your hand at birds again?).

Thanks for the nice comments too!.

What a little beauty! Look forward to more of these.

Geoff, I am jealous! Very nice and what a pose!! Please post some more.