Friday, August 22, 2014

Flying Gems...

My favorite thing about the August gardens here is that the bulk of the hard work is done for a bit, the containers are all filled in and only need occasional pruning, the borders just need deadheading and light maintenance so I have time to enjoy my daily visits from our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.  One of the reasons I 'disappear' during winters is that I'm an avid bird photographer and spend my winters with my telephoto lenses and our beautiful feathered friends.  I even set up a bird blind in the back yard. (The neighbors think I'm cracked because I spend time outside in a 'tent' when it's really cold outside) Anyway, back to the Hummingbirds, these little gems are constantly in attendance and love all the fuchsias, cupheas etc in the gardens. I spent a few days this week with the camera and here are a few of the results. I haven't seen any of the lovely males with their pretty red gorgets but there have been lots of females and immature birds around recently














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16 comments:

  1. AlisonAugust 22, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Your photos of hummers are just wonderful! Do you use a tripod? The clarity is amazing, you cans see the individual feathers. I just love their adorable little tucked-up feet. Thanks for sharing these.

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    1. Deanne FortnamAugust 22, 2014 at 8:24 AM

      Thanks Alison, yes I do use a tripod. My telephoto lens and camera weigh in at about fourteen pounds or so. Too heavy to hand hold for long periods of time. I love their tucked up little feet too!!! too darned cute. They are pretty aggressive little birds though.

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 22, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    You got beautiful photos of the fierce little birds, Deanne! I think those in my garden spend more time squabbling than foraging.

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    1. Deanne FortnamAugust 22, 2014 at 12:56 PM

      They are definitely feisty little birds. I so enjoy watching their antics

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  3. HeatherAugust 22, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    Love them!

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  4. Mark and GazAugust 22, 2014 at 2:16 PM

    Fabulous photos Deanne, well captured :) and they are so cute!

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  5. outlawgardenerAugust 22, 2014 at 7:15 PM

    Wow! I'm always amazed at your incredible bird pictures and these of the hummers with flowers are stunning! I hope that this winter you won't totally disappear from the blogosphere and will maybe have time to post some of your winter bird pictures!

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    1. Deanne FortnamAugust 23, 2014 at 5:25 AM

      Thanks so much Peter! In the past I thought that my bird photography would probably be of little interest to this gardening community but Alison and you have convinced me to drop in with my winter pursuits so I'm planning on 'being here'.

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  6. ksAugust 23, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    Such exquisite photos Deanne ! I am an abject failure at the hummer shot..All the more enjoyment from yours !

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    1. Deanne FortnamAugust 24, 2014 at 5:46 AM

      Thanks Kathy, I really look forward to this time of the year when I have the time to get out in the garden again with my 'bird' lens

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  7. MulchMaidAugust 23, 2014 at 10:45 PM

    These are some of the best close-ups I've seen of hummers. Beautiful little jewels - beautiful job of capturing them!

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  8. DeniseAugust 24, 2014 at 1:11 PM

    I love seeing the hummers through your amazing photos -- better clarity than I get with my own eyes!

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