Hummingbird Breezes on My Skin

We’re up to somewhere between a dozen and 15 hummingbirds at the feeders now. I’m not sure whether our resident hummers are still here, but the rest are certainly in migration from up north and are gathering energy for their trip farther south and soon thereafter across the Gulf of Mexico. The birds are starting to share the feeders more and more, mostly because there are so many hummers now that individuals don’t really have a chance to defend their territory.

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I know I have taken (and shared) lots of hummingbird pictures in the past, but it’s hard not to — the birds beckon me with their spirited antics, and I enjoy sitting out there absorbing their happy, frenzied presence. But if I find myself outside without my camera, I long for it, so mostly I just bring it along and try to get a great shot. Then, of course, I feel obligated to share.

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Most of the time I use my zoom lens with hummingbirds, because it enables me to get shots like this lucky tongue image.hummE09-15-13

I also can capture pollen on a hummingbird’s bill. If you ever wondered whether a hummingbird is an effective pollinator, there’s proof.

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With the zoom, I can also get close enough to get feather details on the little birds and yet not disturb them.hummF09-15-13

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The downside to the zoom is that it gets tougher to capture the interaction between birds (when they really get their speed going). But it’s doable.

Today, however, brought a most enjoyable experience, all thanks to an annoying tilt of the shepherd’s hook holding two of our feeders. I couldn’t resist trying to fix it during a momentary lull in hummingbird activity. I had scarcely put my hand on the shepherd’s hook when suddenly I was surrounded by fast-moving, buzzing hummingbirds. There I was, inches from two feeders, and birds were swarming me. At first they circled me, periodically hovering in front of my face to see whether I was friend or foe, and since I didn’t move a muscle (other than to softly talk to them), they decided I was friend, or at least safe enough. Just inches from my face, they sat, drank, hovered, checked me out, drank some more, and even had their usual feisty spats. The breeze from their wings felt great upon my skin, and it was impressive how much air movement there was.

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During another lull of activity, I quickly went inside to grab a regular lens, hoping to get a picture (the zoom wouldn’t have worked that close to my subjects). But I soon learned that while the hummingbirds did not mind me, they were less fond of my camera. Perhaps the lens looked like a large gaping mouth. Whichever feeder my face was near, the birds sat and drank without concern. Whichever feeder my camera faced, the birds were hesitant to linger at the feeder, and only a couple did fly-by drinking. Needless to say, it was a challenge to actually take a picture with a hummingbird in it, but I managed a couple. The above is my favorite.

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Of course, once I realized how unperturbed the hummingbirds were by my presence, I encouraged my family to experience the thrill of being so close to the zooming birds. I can report that the hummingbirds did not mind Nolan’s small point-and-shoot camera. I think the “big lens = big mouth” theory might be close to the truth.

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If you have visiting hummingbirds, especially in large numbers, I highly recommend you give it a try. Perhaps you’ll get to experience those lovely hummingbird breezes on your skin, too.

10 thoughts on “Hummingbird Breezes on My Skin

  1. Oh, I love your hummingbird pictures. They are fantastic! We have had as many as 4 or 5 around our yard at one time. Most of the males are RRT, although I did spot one male Rufous. Those poor little females can’t get a drink when the males are guarding the feeders. I refer to the males as “feeder hogs”:)

  2. Your hummingbird pictures are just spectacular! We don’t have nearly so many as you. I have two feeders out for about 6 birds. The birds that come to drink usually tolerate my presence pretty well. I’ve had some very close encounters. I find that if I’m very still they will ignore me and go about their business. I have not tried introducing a camera into the mix. If I get a chance, I’ll try it and see what they think.

  3. Oh, my goodness–how wonderful! I had a similar experience the other day when I was trying to capture shots of my Fuchsia plants, which I always place near the hummingbird feeder. The hummers were buzzing right by my head, and I know what you mean about the magical breeze. At first you think they’re bees, and then you realize, no, they’re hummingbirds! I’ve never been very successful photographing them until I purchased a feeder that has perches, like yours. Now, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been enjoying long views of the cuties. More hummers are on their way to visit you–they’re still migrating through Wisconsin! Enjoy!

  4. I’ve spent a good portion of the Summer photographing our resident hummers… what a delight… Often with little neighbor kids joining in the fun. Love when they get up close and personal. 🙂

  5. Your hummingbirds make me jealous. Of course, I know I have them too (I even see them occasionally!), but still, I’ve never seen more than one or two at a time. I probably should put out more hummingbird feeders, I bet that would attract them.

    Also – I think you’re right with the lens thing – especially since with an SLR, the lens closes and you can actually see it when you’re looking down it from the front.

    • If I have a chance, Katina, I’ll post the video I took of the hummingbirds that close. The birds have already moved on, but at least I can enjoy them whenever I want via video!

  6. Lovely pictures and a great experiment. Mostly missed seeing hummers up here in Montana and won’t make it back to Texas until the migrants are all gone. So thanks for the virtual experience.

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