Anna’s Hummingbirds

Anna’s Hummingbirds normally have a body temperature of around 107 degrees Fahrenheit—that’s a scorching temperature for a human. When outside temperatures fall, Anna’s and many other species of hummingbirds enter torpor. Their breathing and heart rate slow, and their body temperature can fall as low as 48 degrees Fahrenheit When the temperature warms, the hummingbirds can become active again in a few minutes.

In their thrilling courtship displays, males climb up to 130 feet into the air and then swoop to the ground with a curious burst of noise that they produce through their tail feathers.

Hummingbirds have tiny legs and can neither hop nor walk, though they can sort of scoot sideways while perched.

Anna’s Hummingbird Female

Anna’s Hummingbird Male

 

Anna’s Hummingbird (Female) – Sleeping on the Job!

Walking around the bay I spotted this female Anna’s Hummingbird sleeping on the job. LOL  It’s not often that I can get a shot of one without arousing their immediate attention as they quickly fly off.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird was hanging high on a bush surrounded by deep brush. I waded through the brush and crouched down very still to get these shots. Usually a hummingbird won’t wait around this long for you to get any decent shots, unless maybe you are feeding them which we don’t do since we live near a protected bird sanctuary. All of the birds I’m shooting are in the wild and are not human fed. The sun was in  my face and I could not move around and into the thick brush in order to get the sun at my back, thus some of these shots have pretty bright backgrounds. If I darkened them then Anna’s very colorful feathers would not have come through. As usual, click to enlarge and enjoy even further.

Regarding Sweet Springs Preserve: a protected habitat of 24-acre wetland sanctuary for nesting and migrating birds on the southeast shore of Morro Bay. Bird lovers can check out  the American White Pelicans, Brown Pelican, Green and Blue Herons and the Great Egret.  In addition, several friendly ducks and turtles have made this place their home. In addition to two freshwater ponds, there is a saltwater marsh at the bay, Monterey cypress and eucalyptus groves. During the winter months, monarch butterflies gather by the eucalyptus groves.  There are also hiking trails.  The preserve is managed by the Morro Coast Audubon Society.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Small Birds

I find it most difficult photographing the smallest of birds. They are so flighty. Darn, they won’t sit still!! LOL

Lark Sparrow

 

American Goldfinch

 

White Crowned Sparrow

 

Hummingbird

 

 

Jasmine

I love the Jasmine that hangs throughout our garden and over our hot tub. It gives off the most beautiful fragrance when blooming. Hummingbirds are attracted to the Jasmine so we get a lot this time of year. I still have yet to capture a fast, roving Hummingbird – but I’m workin’ on it. :O)

Jasmine