I haven’t been able to get many pictures of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds this year, especially the males, so I was quite happy when one landed on the Japanese Maple just long enough for me to fire off a few shots.
Isn’t he gorgeous!
What’s fascinating is that they really don’t have red pigment in their feathers. They actually have itty bitty air pockets on the top layer of their throat feathers that act kind of like prisms, bending and reflecting the light so that their throats look absolutely gleaming.
But…depending on the lighting and the position of the bird, there are times the throat looks rusty red…
…and times it looks pale gray.
But, of course, I’d wager we all agree that it looks best when that ruby-throat is blazing full force!
These summer visitors will soon be departing, so I’m very grateful this guy gave me a glimpse before he’s gone!
Beautiful !
Thank you. 😊
Aw, he’s gorgeous! It’s like he stopped to pose for a picture!
I totally agree with you, on both accounts!
Very lovely!
I haven’t seen a male around for a few weeks. I really didn’t see him much this summer at all. Wonder if some neighbor had better sugar water.
Glad you were able to get a few photos before the have all migrated. I haven’t seen many males this year. I had a lot of hummers stop at my feeder last week but I haven’t seen any since then.
I was grateful to have him pause and pose. They have been pretty uncooperative this year!
Love the beautiful iridescent colours of these little guys. We do not have these species of birds in our country.
They do seem to enjoy the small leaves and tiny twigs of Japanese Maples. Glad he demonstrated his wonderful reflective gorget!
It’s always a pleasure to see that ruby red glowing!
Captured at last! Excellent photography!!
“They don’t have red feathers”?! Really?
Rest assured knowing that 4 males and juvenile male has made it all the way to Corpus Christi TX to my porch sugar bar. Yesterday all 5 were dashing around at the same time until one called time out to get a little bit intoxicated. All five agreed. Then one bounced over to poke another one on the crown. Then back to their dance. What a party!
I’m glad they are in good hands!
I’m hoping to visit Port Aransas sometime in 2027. So I’ll get to see birds from your neck of the woods! 😊
I’m not sure there are any neck of the woods here. But you would see the neck of the Gulf in Port Aransas! 😉
So pretty!
I must agree!