As the weeks drag on and the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't go away, I just keep going back through old folders of images and finding new ones to work on. Since I have several thousand hummingbird images from last summer, there is plenty of work yet to be done!

     In response to COVID 19 the governor of New Mexico has extended our "stay home" orders until May 15 and, with our case numbers continuing to rise, they will likely be extended again after that.

     Hummingbirds are arguably one of the most difficult subjects to photograph. Their tiny size and incredible speed present a unique challenge to any photographer and any camera system. The issue, of course, is how to get an image that is both close-up and in-focus.
     As the old saying saying goes, "there's more than one way to skin a pig" and this summer I tested a couple of methods using different camera systems to see which would render the best results.

     The best way to attract hummingbirds is to provide them things that they like, i.e., food and habitat. 
     There are many options when it comes to hummingbird feeders but you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good one. The ones I have right now were under $10 and are the best feeders I've ever had. The most important thing about the feeder is whether or not the base comes apart and can be thoroughly cleaned. If the base is all one piece and doesn't come apart, don't buy it.

     I just love these little birds soooo much! Hummingbirds may be tiny and cute but they are sophisticated flying machines and, like little dogs that don't know they're little, fierce as can be. 
     I live in Meadow Lake, New Mexico andhummingbirds are here April through October. A good rule of thumb for knowing when to expect hummingbirds is between the last frost and the first frost. Hummingbirds feed mostly on flower nectar and insects so they don't do winter.