Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Image taken with a Nikon D300 and 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR lens + TC-E II 20 teleconverter (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/8, 1/160 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro, Focus Magic, and Photoshop CS5. The Male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds arrive first in the spring to define their territories. Spring comes late at nearly 9000 feet to Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. You hear the hummingbirds long before you finally see them (even with the car windows closed).
Male Broad-tailed Humming Bird at Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Image taken with a Nikon D300 and 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR lens + TC-E II 20 teleconverter (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/8, 1/160 sec). (David J Mathre)
Author: David Mathre
I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.
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6 thoughts on “Eleven-Years Ago (01-June-2008) — Colorado”
Awesome! I am trying to attract hummingbirds. I put out a feeder with homemade sugar water. So far nothing. Any suggestions?
Well appreciated !!! Stunning Beauty !!! You're great to capture this Bird Poker – Hummingbird…Complete detailed lines and lively colors … I love how it balanced itself on top of the flowers. Interesting !!!
+Natosha Davis I've seen the Ruby-Throated ones here in NJ, but never got one to come to a feeder. They appear to like the feeder used by neighbor across the street. They have flown by when I was taking pictures of deer from my deck, but I was never able to focus fast enough to get an image.
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds I only saw when I was working part-time in Boulder, CO. The males would show up late May early June to define their territories. Actually they were loud enough that you could hear them in a car even when the windows were closed. I would go to Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain NP and spend several hours just watching them. One day I actually found a nest, and you wouldn't believe how small it was.
Back to your original question, I've heard that you may need to add a red dye to the sugar solution, or that the feeder needs to be bright red.
The other thing that I learned from an Ornithologist on a Semester at Sea voyage is that hummingbirds go for sweats (i.e. nectar) to maintain their high rate of metabolism – but that their primary food source is insects. So you may only see them at the feeder when they need more energy.
Interesting. Everywhere I read said to not use the red dye so left it out. I read that it was bad for them. The feeder I have has a lot of red in it so……I duno. What is it you do for a living anyway? You travel all over.
Awesome!
I am trying to attract hummingbirds. I put out a feeder with homemade sugar water. So far nothing. Any suggestions?
Well appreciated !!! Stunning Beauty !!! You're great to capture
this Bird Poker – Hummingbird…Complete detailed lines and lively colors …
I love how it balanced itself on top of the flowers. Interesting !!!
+Natosha Davis I've seen the Ruby-Throated ones here in NJ, but never got one to come to a feeder. They appear to like the feeder used by neighbor across the street. They have flown by when I was taking pictures of deer from my deck, but I was never able to focus fast enough to get an image.
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds I only saw when I was working part-time in Boulder, CO. The males would show up late May early June to define their territories. Actually they were loud enough that you could hear them in a car even when the windows were closed. I would go to Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain NP and spend several hours just watching them. One day I actually found a nest, and you wouldn't believe how small it was.
Back to your original question, I've heard that you may need to add a red dye to the sugar solution, or that the feeder needs to be bright red.
The other thing that I learned from an Ornithologist on a Semester at Sea voyage is that hummingbirds go for sweats (i.e. nectar) to maintain their high rate of metabolism – but that their primary food source is insects. So you may only see them at the feeder when they need more energy.
Interesting. Everywhere I read said to not use the red dye so left it out. I read that it was bad for them. The feeder I have has a lot of red in it so……I duno.
What is it you do for a living anyway? You travel all over.
Put a big red bow on the feeder. That's how I got them to see it.
There's a little gold on the neck.