free flight

Photographic evidence that archilochus bills do indeed open, unlike the most common urban legend. I was certainly blessed with lighting and timing with this one. Blessed, with flying gem friends, Dan

Wings back, black tail closed, hardly a care in the sky, except what female's about to jump him. My back yard is like a mini Disney World in some ways, this time of year Blessed, flock growing daily, AC guy coming tomorrow, Dan

A very blue sky today, and plenty of male ruby throats. Lighting has been pretty good between 6:45 and 8:00 AM lately. I'll keep trying 'til I get this down. Blessed, inoperative air conditioning or not, Dan

The light was really getting right just then, although it's still just a matter of timing, and timing that can't be planned. Sometimes your finger's late or even early, but sometimes, it's... Blessed, having gems colonize my acre, Dan

If I just didn't have some many electric wires. Oh well, if it weren't so blame hot, I coud draw them away from my old backgrounds. Heavy sigh! Was a day for red however. Such a marvelous and beautiful creation. Blessed, appointed caretaker of such grace and loveliness, Dan

Been performing musically last couple of days, but got back to it this morning. This one got froze pretty well. I was blessed. The opportunities are daily increasing. Lately, right after it gets too dark for decent shots, I've had 12-14 males at once on the old porch. And I still have all the...

This lovely lady was one of those total gifts, as timing goes. Those feet almost have that raptor- like look. She looks real mad, but very careful. Blessed, by the buzzing around my head, Dan

I don't know, can you hummer a few bars? Dan's back yard is heating up. Confrontation is more frequent, as well as more easily forgiven. A hummingbirds life is intense, yet caring and angry, yet loving. Blessed, allowed to view this first hand, Dan

Sometimes I feel blessed with timing, although undeserving. This spread-tail profile was a timing and focus gift I will long cherish. Of so many shots, some have to be half-way decent. Blessed, and extremely thankful, Dan

Wrong angle for flashy red, but I guess real life counts, as well. Take a flash in the eye instead. Blessed, by opportunity, if not talent, Dan

More of the same. I need some different backgrounds. Like Daddy says "To get organized!" This is so much fun, you know! Blessed, with something a shorted brain can endure, Dan

A lovely female flying in to feed fight at dawn. Forget a ruby throat, this creature's lovely. Definately not finished courting. Blessed, by the experiences I'm allowed, Dan

Yeah, I know; when does it all end? I'm offering free admission to erHumm Land and free lodging in the spare bebroom until Sept. 15. (2 cats and a dog# A famous wildlife painter #Don Edwards) has asked to use some of my photos for reference. I was honored! Blessed, with some halfway decent...

More ladies night, tree line and blue sky. I have yet to get a good fight in focus, as they tend to move greatly when one starts. Blessed, that peace reigns, Dan

Blue sky and tree line, it's "ladies night" on Young road. You never know what your finger will capture. Blessed, Dan, the hummer guy

Storm clouds rolling in, activity soars. This fork-tailed beauty won Dan's heart easily, the dark background of the peach tree, or what. This shot was blessed, and got a lot of what hummingbirds are, I think. I am thankful! Blessed, and knowing it, Dan

One of the blessed ones, for my scrapbook. Lots of really good females today. This one airing out her tail feathers rather daintily. blessed, to watch such drama daily, Dan

Better detail on the feet and breast, than the tail and throat, but one of the better shots of the few I got today. The old faithful sweet gum and power pole. I hope to get a true fight tomorrow. I think there is enough birds, if I can't draw them to my face just right, and my finger is quick...

A lovely female, blue sky, angry with a spread tail. Didn't get many shots today, as I evidently had a seizure, and lost some time, although it was only in my chair and not a fall. Didn't drop my camera, but lost my glasses temporarily. Blessed, that I don't remember any of it, Dan

Amazing how no red appears unless they're head on, huh? I'm proud of the feet and feather detail, however. Sorry about the darkness and hazy background, as it was difficult to get below 325 kb. Blessed, and learning all the time, Dan

I was again blessed with breast and tail detail. So much about light and background I yet have to learn. People always seem shocked to learn that over 80% of hummingbirds diet is insects and not totally nectar. Even that their mouths will open and not only like a straw. Blessed, to know my tiny...

The old faithful back fence and one of my Daddy's Japanese pear trees. I love the fiber detail in the tail and breast. Another interesting, but ridiculous hummer tale I heard today was that hummingbirds never light. Interesting, huh? Blessed, but informed, Dan

I love this hobby more than words can describe. Sometimes I wish my knowlege was more helpful, however. Here is the yellow canna though, not the last shot. I am so confused! Blessed, knowing the least bit, Dan

Like this with the back fence and the first yellow canna. No to mention the neighbor's cows. Blessed, to reside in such a blessed place, Dan

Gotta love the blessing of this pose. A second later and it would have had 3 birds in it. Heavy sigh! Blessed, taking what he's allowed, Dan