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raising environmental awareness through photography
Introduction: You are invited to go for a tour through this web site to discover, in addition to the many photographs, the wonderful poetry many hummingbird lovers have written, the samples of beautiful hummingbird art available on-line and the links to many interesting hummingbird articles. I'm sure you will find much to hum about. And don't forget to download your free screensavers before you go. The Photographer: After graduating from Virginia Tech, I was a Naval officer for twenty years specializing in aviation and submarine logistics. I've always been a nature lover, but I developed a special interest in hummingbirds and the environment after my retirement from the Navy. Now, I have time to marvel at some of the special wonders of life and do what I can to protect them. I encourage you to support this site and the environment by becoming a member of one or more of these very effective conservation organizations. The organizations cover three environmental fronts; legal, political and financial (habitat acquisition). Make a difference!! Thank you. More about me. The Birds: All of the Costa's, Broadbill and Sparkling Violetear photos were taken at the San Diego Zoo's hummingbird aviary. The photos of Anna's and rufous hummingbirds were taken at feeders around my house here in Coronado, except the nesting Anna's and babies which were photographed at several neighbors' homes. Anna's hummingbirds are found in abundance here in Coronado all year long. Allen's and rufous, migrating hummingbirds not often seen in my area, make appearances at my feeders during their journeys. The Feeders: I use a combination of Perky-Pet feeders depending on the situation. The Perky-Pet No. 214 (or 215), 3-ounce model works well in highly territorial areas and holds just the right amount of nectar for one dominant hummingbird and a few uninvited guests for two or three days. So, I'm not tempted to let the nectar get old by using a feeder that holds too much. However, I find I need the Perky-Pet No. 203, 8-ounce and No. 209, 30-ounce glass feeders to satisfy the many Anna's hummingbirds that visit my house. I added two Perky-Pet 96-ounce feeders (now discontinued) and two 48-ounce feeders to help handle peak feeding months here (July through December). I've learned, through trial and error, how to position these feeders to minimize territorial squabbles and maximize hummingbird usage. I left the big red flower attachments off the No. 203 feeders to increase visibility of the hummingbirds and facilitate photography. Since bees are not a big problem here, I cut the yellow bee cages off the feeders leaving just the round yellow flowers. Feeder Tips: I have found hummingbirds prefer to "gulp" nectar down rather than "lick" it up, and so prefer the smaller Perky-Pet 214 (or 215) and 203 feeders. These are perfect for attracting birds and they are easy to clean. Place feeders in the shade and keep the nectar fresh. I use a standard 4:1 mix of tap water to sugar with no red dye, and I do not boil the water. It's more important to clean the feeders and replace the nectar often than to boil the water. The Camera: All the photos in this site dated prior to 2004 were taken with a hand held, Olympus C-3000 three mega-pixel digital camera. Most of the hummingbird photos were taken with the camera in macro and auto-focus mode, at full zoom (96mm) and only about six to twenty inches from the subject. The results were photos with unusual perspective and detail. An in-camera, fill-in flash was often used. The first six digits of the image files indicate the date (YYMMDD) the photo was taken. Most photos taken after January 1, 2004 (040101) were taken with a Fuji S7000 six mega-pixel digital camera and after October 15, 2007 (071015) with a Nikon D40x ten mega-pixel camera. Interestingly, the Olympus C-3000 three mega-pixel camera takes the most impressive macro hummingbird photos of the cameras I have used. Photo Tips: While waiting for Anna's hummingbirds to come to my feeders, I learned that the birds would not approach if I made the slightest movements. By remaining perfectly still very close to the feeder, with the camera about two feet away, the birds would approach and drink from the feeder. Once a bird began drinking, I was able to move the camera slowly to within inches of the bird for pictures. The small, lightweight, digital camera allowed me to move just the camera and one arm without having to move my whole body. The flash didn't seem to bother the birds very much. I managed to capture the photos of the camera-shy rufous hummingbirds by shooting through a slightly opened window near a feeder. Prints: I have uploaded some of the best photos, at full resolution, to printroom.com where you can order excellent quality prints very cheaply. This is just an opportunity for you; I make no money from the prints. Simply check the photos of which you want prints, click submit, indicate the sizes and quantities you want, click preview, click purchase, enter shipping information, approve final price, enter payment information, finalize and the pictures arrive at your door in about three days. I have placed numerous orders with great results. If you want a print of a photo I have not uploaded, let me know and I will upload it for you. Also, let me know if you place an order and if you like the results. This transaction is between you and printroom.com, however. Here are printroom.com's prices: 4 X 6--$.39 5 X 7--$1 8 X 10--$3 Copyright: I encourage people to use my photographs for educational purposes or to promote conservation and environmental programs. All I ask is that you inform me that you are using my photos and give appropriate credit. Of course you are welcome to use my photos for personal use and enjoyment. Commercial use of my photos is strictly prohibited. See how others have used my photographs by clicking here. Contact:
Your comments and questions are always welcome! |
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HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY