Here is a female Anna's Hummingbird feeding on the nectar of a Chuparosa (Justicia californica) shrub. Anna's Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in our low desert region, and they are seen here year-round. Their consumption of insects and spiders provides a slower metabolizing source of food, which helps them get through the shorter days and colder weather.
What a great shot. It's like you posed him against a canvas backdrop.
ReplyDeleteThis is greeting card material! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. and what joy to have them year round. The ones we have here are not as colorful and of course are here only a short while in the summer. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Beautiful! And the shot is breathtaking. It must have required ultra sharp reflexes to take that photo.
ReplyDeleteThat is a perfect capture! I love seeing them around but didn't know they ate insects too. Good for them!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo you took!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have never seen a hummingbird in real life, it must be wonderful having these birds as visitors in your garden.
Sisa
Great Shot! I think the Anna's are slightly larger than the Ruby Throated ones we have here in the summer... not much but slightly... They're fascinating to watch.
ReplyDeleteHi, Aiyana--Great shot. I'm in Arizona for the holidays, and I was surprised to see a hummer on the golf course yesterday--it had a beautiful iridescent violet throat, and it was in a plant similar to the one you show. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteNice shot of the hummer having a desert dessert.
ReplyDeleteI can put off eating insects and spiders to help me get through the winter. It's 60 F. today and I think I'll just finish off the roast beast we had for Xmas.
Incredible photo! Our hummingbirds have all gone south for the winter. This spring I'll finally have a hummingbird feeder ready for them!
ReplyDeleteAmy
What an awesome shot!!!
ReplyDeleteA late merry Christmas and a great new year!
WOW...unbelievable!!! I thought this was a painting...not a real photo!!! You done good girl, to capture this beautiful bird!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments. When I took this photo, I was glad the wall of my house was in the background, which made the hummer and Chuparosa really stand out. I thought it looked a bit like an Oriental painting, but the hummer is not found in those countries!
ReplyDeleteAiyana
What a perfect picture! This is just breathtaking! I love it! Jean
ReplyDeleteAiyana, I loved this striking photo of the hummer! Thanks for sharing it. Ours have gone to Cuba for the winter and I miss these amazing, hyperactive little birds.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a Happy New Year and all the best in 2009!
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Just stopping by to wish you much luck, prosperity and happiness in the coming New Year...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo! I love watching the hummers we have around here (Illinois). But we just get Ruby-throated hummers.
ReplyDeleteHave a very happy and prosperous New Year!!
This is a stunning photograph, Aiyana! You've photographed the hummingbird so beautifully ... it looks spectacular against the wall as do the gorgeous blooms of the Chuparosa.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy and healthy New Year 2009! (I'm planning to do more blogging this year!!)
We have Anna's that winter over in Seattle too! This is a lovely capture.
ReplyDeleteDuring our recent snow my husband hooked up a shop light aimed at the feeder to keep it from freezing. They seemed to appreciate his efforts.
What a great photo, Aiyana! She is most beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great shot !
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