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!