AGE

[MICHELE]

I JUST TOOK A GOOD LOOK AT ONE OF THESE HUMMERS.. AND ONE HAS A VERY SHORT TAIL AND HAS A GRAY NECK. BLACK HEAD AND DARKER BODY,GRAY UNDER BODY.. HOW CAN YOU TELL THE AGE OF THESE GUYS ? THANK YOU..LOOKING FOR GODS GIFTS. MICHELE

[Steve Backes]

Michele,

The only species that you would be expected to be seeing now is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The males are basically green above, dark green/black below with a red throat (gorget) and what appears to be a white band below the red.

The females and young birds are basically green above and white/grey below. Visit the Species page on the floridahummingbirds.net website at www.floridahummingbirds.net/10201.html for more pictures of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Three of those photos link to Allen Chartiers Ruby-throated Hummingbird page at www.amazilia.net/images/Birds/Hummingbirds/Rubythroated_Hummingbird.htm.

It's not easy telling the difference between adult females and newly fledged hummingbirds. Especially without binoculars.

Steve

[gardengirl]

Steve,
How do you take such good photos of hummingbirds? I have a hard enough time watching them with my binoculars, they move so fast, I can't imagine getting a good pic of one!

Thanks,
Annette

[Steve Backes]

Annette,

In all honesty, the photo above is not mine. Although, the ones on the home page are mine. The camera makes the most difference. the higher the optical zoom of a camera the better for getting "close" to the bird. The higher the mega pixel of the camera allows for better quality enlargements or cropped photos. Also important are being able to approach the subject, patience, and a little luck. A feeder outside a cleaned window with the screen removed is one way I've gotten my best photos.

Steve

[gardengirl]

Yeah, I need to get a better zoom lens for my camera. Right now I only have a 28 - 70mm lens. While I'm at it, I also need a macro lens and to win the lottery to pay for them!