Winged Jewels

The first few shots are of Broad-billed Hummingbirds, photographed 3/13/2011 in Patagonia, AZ., on my recent vacation - photo expedition.

This series of photos were all taken in the Paton's family yard, Patagonia, Arizona. The Paton's are among a handful of people in Southeast Arizona, who operated "semi" commercial bird watching business, maintaining extensive bird feeders, in their yards. All at least ask for donations to the "SUDAR FUNDS." Some state a $5.00 admission fee required.

The beautiful Broad-billed hummingbirds were the most numerous species at the Paton's. I took a lot of pictures of them in flight, approaching the feeders. The object is to crop the feeder out of the final picture.

However, the most sought after Hummer visiting the Paton's yard was this rather drab Violet-crowned Hummingbird. On rare occasions the single Violet-crowned Hummingbird would make a quick in / out dash, always to feeder number "9". My camera sat on a tripod for several hours, two different days, trained on feeder #9, just to get this shot.

This is a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird.

Now, that sure shows dedication, Gary. I'm glad you got a shot of the Violet-crowned. I've never heard of the Broad-billed Hummingbird before. Beautiful birds.

Gorgeous collection! Some fab. shots Gary.

Wonderful shots Gary! Thanks for your patience with the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. The Broad-tailed and Broad-billed are lovely!
Very nice pics.

This is a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird displaying an iridescent red throat, in the bright light.

Sierra Vista, Arizona bills itself as: "The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." We stayed in Sierra Vista six days, birding the "San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area" and canyons of the Huachuca Mountains.

The male Broad-tailed Hummingbird's throat appears black most of the time, because it is not at the correct angle to the light.

This beautiful Broad-billed hummingbird is sticking his tongue out at you!

He's as beautiful as any Jewel I can imagine!

This is a male Calliope Hummingbird with his striped rosy gorget. The Calliope is the smallest Hummingbird in Southeast Arizona.

Great shots of all the hummers Gary. I love the colors on all of them. Looks like you really had an enjoyable vacation.

Actually that Calliope hummers is the smallest hummer in North America. I love the these little ones and have been happy to see four this year.

WOW....nice series Gary...and that 2nd that last shot of the Broad-billed is GORGEOUS!!!

This is an accidental catch of a Killer Bee, and a male Costa's Hummingbird. All of the Honey Bees in southern Arizona are now considered to be hybridized with the African Killer Bees! The Bees are attracted to the sugar in the hummingbird feeders.

Amazing shot. An elderly couple was killed by a swarm of killer bees (in I think, Texas) just a couple of weeks ago.

Gary all of your shot are amazing thanks for sharing .

LEW

Excellent shots Gary!

Great pics. I'd love to make a trip down there in late summer when the desert is in bloom.

This message was edited May 13, 2011 8:53 AM