A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been hanging around the yard here this summer in Waukesha County. We have seen very little of them all summer but in just the last couple of days they have been hitting the Royal Catchfly, one of the many plants they get nectar from here in the yard. The male is seen less and I am still hoping for some shots of that beauty. I took a few minutes today to photograph the adult female in action. Images were taken on July 31, 2016.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Binomial name: Archilochus colubris
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.
Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens
Falling nectar
Over the top pics Jim. just what I needed to cheer me up today. I have had a male ruby throat all summer. He is so tame he even shows me his bib in the light. If they are unsure they will keep their bib away from direct sun rays and it appears black. But thanks millions for these spectacular photos. Cheers from Peggy in Madison
Awesome and Thanks. We r still on a mission to find a nest of hummers. Must be near by cause the past week our feeders had more visitors. Thanks for sharing such finds.
Just beautiful. For some reason the hummingbirds are not frequenting the feeders/plants in our backyard this year. This would be my most favorite ( and challenging bird) to photograph.
She slips right into those brilliant blossoms as if she wants to wear them and, indeed, in one of the shots, you’ve wrapped the cape around her, Jim! There’ll be a rush on Royal Catchfly at the garden centers…
Simply exquisite photographs.
So beautiful Jim. Thank you!! We grow this plant also and Michael managed to capture some images also. Here is our photo:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/439743/thread/1469404063/last-1469981693/Silene+regia
It is a wonderful native plant for hummingbirds that should be used more!