Copyright ©2016 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
A friend and I went over the hill yesterday to photograph Allen’s Hummingbirds.
“Over-the-Hill”, is how we long time locals say we’re going to Santa Cruz, CA. We have to go up and over the Santa Cruz mountains to get there. They are mountains not hills, but I learned this phrase as a girl and use it to this day. You know how that is I’m sure. 🙂
Anyway, Allen’s Hummingbirds. They’re residents of Southern California, and northwestern Mexico, and migrate into southern Mexico for winter, and in breeding season migrate north along the coastal areas. Luckily, they have found a lovely late Winter home in Santa Cruz where I’ve been able to view and photograph them for several years now.
Their colors are so different from the Anna’s Hummingbirds that I see year round.
They’re also quite funny, and sometimes their expressions and posture make me laugh out loud. Like this move I call- On Guard!
It still makes me laugh!
They have the most beautiful Gorget that gleams a brilliant orange when the sun hits it just right.
It’s always a joy to see them and spend a couple of hours in their company.
Nikon D700| Nikkor 200-500mm| Lexar Professional Digital Film| PS CC 2015
More to come…
Circadianreflections Blog 
I think the shots here are great.
The middle is my favourite.
You don’t see birds in a position like that often.
Thank you so much for the comment. That middle one is funny. He wasn’t too happy with me and my clicking camera. Their faces and postures are so expressive. I love Hummingbirds.
They certainly are.
Beautiful Bird and beautiful image of it! I never seen this one before, enjoy seeing your images.
Thank you so much John!
Beautiful pictures. 🙂 I love the ‘On Guard’ shot!
Thank you so much! That one still makes me laugh. I think it always will. 🙂
so sweetly beautiful!!
Thank you so much Cybele!
Yw!!
It was a joy to see your captures, Deborah! Your first one is stunning and love the funny shot!! Birds can provide some interesting stances that make us laugh out loud! LOL 🙂
Thank you very much Donna! They have given me much joy, and many laughs! Is it any wonder we love birding! 🙂
Beautiful images of these enjoyable little birds. Love watching all of the Hummers.
Me too. They’re so much fun to watch zipping around so fast.
Thank you so much for the comment Harold!
Sweet shot, it is a beautiful image of him!
Thank you so much for the comment, compliment, and for stopping by!
Excellent images, Deborah. Nice control of backgrounds.
Thank you so much Robert! I am quite pleased with the Bokeh and background from this experience.
Superbe !
Merci beaucoup Aurelien!
Beautiful :-). The bird and plant detail in the first photo is wonderful – it is so neat how the shape and colour of the plant resembles the shape and colour of the bird feathers (particularly the throat). On guard!!! 😀 Thanks for the laugh.
Thank you so much Myriam! It is neat how animals in nature select plants and flowers that suit their colors, and shapes. It’s amazing actually.
That posture was directed at me and my clicking shutter I’m sure. 🙂 It was funny though.
There are no words to describe this! wow how delightful! Gorgeous little birds!
Thank so much for this wonderful comment and compliment Lynn! I’m so glad you like the images!
They are amazing especially the little guy looking backwards? cool
🙂
Wonderful shots Deborah! The On Guard pose is excellent!
Thank you so much @panhirsch! It still make me laugh a day later! They’re so cute!
Oh Wow! Such stunning photos of these little beauties!
Thank you so much for this lovely compliment and comment Jodi!
What a beautiful little guy. I love the colors.
Thank you so much Dan! I love their coloring too.
I should have included an image with their backs showing with their lovely iridescent greens. 😦