Ruby-throated Hummingbird

I've been watching this pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) in the mornings some days. One of the few flowers that have survived my illness . . .and the heat and dry of July. . . are the Japanese glorybowers (Clerodendrum japonicum). The hummingbirds really love that flower.



Hummingbirds live only live in the Americas. Of the 338 species known, 16 are found in the United States and 3 occur in Florida. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is by far the most common in Florida so I assume these are that species even though the red throat is not apparent in these images.



These little birds are about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) long and weigh as little as a penny (1/4 ounce).

After many attempts, I shot these images from my front porch chair, about 30 feet from the birds and flower with a 75 mm lens.



As I am kind of immobile I watch these guys every day out the front windows. Lately I've been taking the cameras out and letting them rest. The cameras have to adjust to the heat and humidity of the outdoors. Then I have a narrow window of about 20 minutes to snap images before it gets too hot for the little birds.

Hummingbirds usually build their nests above water so I assume that this couple is living above the pond out back. They do take off over the house in that general direction.