My friend fills four hummingbird feeders every time she is at her cottage.  She has been away and the feeders were dry.  

I decided to try to fill the feeders because there are a few hummingbirds that kept going to the empty feeders looking for their food.  

I found her box of food and mixed up a batch.  Now, after filling the feeders, the birds dropped in for a drink and I wanted at least one photo of a bird at the feeder.  

Well, I stood on the deck for about 20 minutes, camera trained on the feeder and focused for the shot.  

I took a couple of photography courses and was told that you have to get out, use the camera and learn from the photos that you take.  I now know that I have to use a faster shutter speed to get more clarity on the wings and to use my telephoto lens so that I could be further away from the feeder and not startle the little birds with the clicking sounds.  Oh yes, if a tripod was handy that would have stopped my arms from tiring.

Still, for a hummingbird photo, I think this is a good start and when I go back to the cottage I will make some adjustments for the birds' next photo shoot.  

 

Valerie Zinger  valeriezinger@gmail.com 

Ottawa, Canada      613-859-7759

 

 
Star Posted by Valerie Zinger on 07/28/2012 03:22 AM   Comments (74)   Miscellaneous Topic in the ActiveRain Channel   zingers, photography, hummingbirds  
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74 Comments on If you fill it, they will come. Hummingbirds

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
28
761,801 Points 106 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Valerie, very nice job. I love watching hummingbirds. I don't have a feeder but have long thought I should get one. This confirms it.
10:59pm • #56
1,352,282 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

 Valerie - I like the blur on the wings as it gives an indication of just how fast they move.
11:31pm • #57
JUL
29
779,227 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I have to keep the hummingbird feeder full because I don't want them to go somewhere else Valerie. I love hearing the buzzing of the wings.
12:26am • #58
1,336,644 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I love your photo and your patience. Twenty minutes with arms up....a very long time. Margaret
5:15am • #59
245,851 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Valerie, What a wonderful picture. I am always interested in watching birds.  I would love to see a hummingbird again soon!
5:51am • #60
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Christine:  I want to see the video.   The ones at the lake do the same thing.  Gawd forbid that they share a huge feeder with a pint of syrup!

Carla:  Thank you so much.  I am sure these guys migrate because it seems too cold for them to stay over the winter. 

Erica;  Once they find the feeders, you may never get rid of them.

Thanks Bobbie.  My poor arms were aching from staying still in that one spot with the camera ready!
8:23am • #61
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

John:  I have spent a lot of time watching them and they are mesmerizing.

Kathy:  Yes I did notice and I was a little surprised when one tried to dive bomb me!!!!

Anna:  Too true and I see you speak celsius!!!  LOL

Wandanna:  Try Henry's plus I look for the classes at evening school in the Ottawa Carlton district.  BTW - I am sorry I missed your name on the Smartie post today - simply a miss - not intentional AT ALL!!!

Donna:  Are there hummingbirds that go through Colorado?  Just not sure.

Thanks Evelyn.  It was a challange and you can rest assured that I tossed a few dozen that didn't make the grade.  
8:29am • #62
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Tammie:  They seem so little and so cute but, as Kathy pointed out, very aggressive. 

Christine:  The wings are beating and making that humming noise.  It is truly amazing.

Tom:  Some people do not like the noise but I find it very entertaining.

Margaret:  It was a sing that I should return to the gym this fall.  Aches and Pains for my art.   LOL

Carol:  I haven't seen many in the city but out at the lake there must be a flock or two.  Wonder what they eat when the feeders are empty?
8:33am • #63
285,100 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

You know, I read somewhere that the feeders with the sugary stuff is like "fast food" for hummers, and that it is far better to plant flowers that they like instead. Beautiful picture, though.
10:15am • #64
650,291 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Aren't they adorable --- hope there are some nice natural plants that they like around as well , as also have read that a steady diet of the surgery liquid is not the best for them.
11:10am • #65
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Leslie. The birds also eat insects like ants, small spiders and, best yet, mosquitoes. Up at the cottage they are getting their muscle building protein in huge quantities.
1:43pm • #66
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Benjamin. Along with the bugs there are a lot of water lilies, ditch lilies and other flowers. They don't look like they are starving.
1:45pm • #67
134,415 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Hi Valerie,

I think you got a great shot. I prefer to have plants that attract humming birds and butterflys. It seems they are more relaxed and let me get better photos. Of course, you have to be quick to catch them, those little guys can move!

-Brent
3:05pm • #68
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Brent. No kidding. They zip around.
4:27pm • #69
JUL
30
4 Featured Posts

They seem to be everywhere. 
3:37pm • #70
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Mike. Your photo of the little guy is so amazing. Thank you for sharing.
3:44pm • #71
1,526,160 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Valerie your patience paid off. A great shot and a wonderful thank- you from a thirsty hummingbird.
6:58pm • #72
AUG
05
551,851 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yes, we have hummingbirds.  We have a client that lives not too far away from us who has them visiting their blue spruce in the front yard.  Just need to get myself a feeder.  Need to do it soon too.  We have company coming at the end of the month and I'd love to have them here for them to see!
12:47pm • #73
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Cindy.. I am so glad that you like it.
1:06pm • #74
545,021 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
Donna. Once they know you have feeders they will keep coming back. Good luck!
1:07pm • #75

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