"Dainty"

This photograph is from the "Hummingbird Project" Collection.  ********** It is that time again.  Time for the flowers to bloom and the hummingbirds to arrive to once again fill our lives with their magic.  There is simply no bird on earth that can do what the hummingbird can.  It can hover, back up and turn 360 degrees in one spot.  They are something like the helicopter of the bird world, except much more stunning. I entitled my image "Dainty", because that is certainly the perception we get from viewing these creatures, but if you know anything about the hummingbird, you know they are aggressive toward any other hummer who wanders  into their territory. I have actually witnessed them knock themselves out by flying into a tree while dive bombing another. However, with the male ruby-throated gorget shinning in the sun like rubies, and the small flowers it is often associated with, they demonstrate that beauty and strength are indeed possible.  When I think of this wonderful bird, I think of beauty first, because there is simply nothing to compare! Canvas Prints From $65 Metal Prints From $64 Deluxe Prints From $23 GET 20% OFF ALL PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE. 3 DAYS ONLY. USE CODE: AHBUHX Shop this Image > Browse All > Proud member of the Carolina's Nature Photographers Association Subscribe to My Newsletter * indicates required Email Address *  First Name  Last Name

If you haven't already done so, it is time to setup the hummingbird feeders. I have a great deal of activity at my feeders and have started photographing the ruby-throated hummingbird.

As many of you know, I expand The Hummingbird Project in my backyard every year. This year, I am using different flower arrangements and other unique backgrounds to really make the image pop. If you are unfamiliar with The Hummingbird Project check out these links to get you started and following my journey.

Hummingbird Project:
http://blog.mattcuda.com/2016/06/the-hummingbird-project.html
http://blog.mattcuda.com/2018/02/june-was-month-for-hummingbirds.html

Hummingbird Photography Podcast Episode:
http://www.mattcuda.com/app/podcast/Episode16.mp3

My Goals for the Hummingbird Project this Year

• Create images showing the birds from different angles
• Create images of the birds in different settings. This might involve different locations or different backgrounds.
• Keep from duplicating previous years photography
• Don't get so hung up photographing the birds that I forget to enjoy their behavior

A male ruby-throated hummingbird gathering nectar from penstemon. 

I encourage all nature photographers to make an effort to photograph these amazing little birds at least one time. There are numerous approaches you can use to capture images of these little guys, so I encourage you to view the above links to find out more. I tend to gravitate more toward the "artsy" side of things with hummers. It gives them the formal, somewhat regal, images they deserve.