Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2

photograph of a female ruby throated hummingbird hovering at a feeder

I’ve been experimenting with photographing hummingbirds as they fly to our feeder.  It’s quite an exercise in patience.  This little female comes regularly but sometimes it’s 15-20 minutes between her visits.  I captured this image recently after waiting for about 45 minutes.  It was her third visit but the only one with sharp enough focus and good enough lighting to share.

In past years I’ve noticed the hummingbirds come more frequently later in the summer.  Perhaps there are simply more of them after they’ve raised a brood or two?  Or maybe there are just fewer feeding options for them?  Whatever the cause, I’m hoping to get more images before they migrate south for the winter.