Hummingbirds

We have ruby-throated hummingbirds in our area. I've been trying to photograph them over the years, and was looking on the internet for suggestions about how to get good pictures of them. They've been really busy here in the last week or so, but of course, when I was hoping to see them and take photos, it's almost as if they've disappeared. They must be sitting on the eggs right now.

One of the suggestions was to use my flash and underexpose the ambient lighting, so this is what I tried. These pictures were taken in the daytime even though some look like they were taken at night. I will try to take more throughout the summer and hopefully will improve my technique. 

The male has a red or ruby throat  which shows up at different times, depending on how the light hits it. 

They are so tiny and yet so aggressive with each other. The males will often sit on a stalk (like the one above) and guard the hummingbird feeders. They aren't always drinking from it, but they don't want any other bird to use the feeder. I found it difficult to get a picture of them flying, so I guess that will be my goal for awhile. 

The female does not have the ruby throat and looks different in the throat area. They can be quite aggressive too.

 

It's so good to know that God knows us and loves us. He knows all the birds of the hills, which is amazing because there are so many of them, and so many different kinds.