Saturday/Sunday, August 13-14, 2022

[Dave]

Still lacking any new photos worth posting, I returned to my archives and came upon a series of photos that I posted years ago on WC.

A mama hummingbird built a nest under the eaves and deep in the shadows of leaves and small branches, just two strides outside our front door. I observed and photographed the entire process: nest-building, egg-laying and patient incubating, hatching, then non stop work by the mother to gather nectar and small insects for her tow nestlings. These babies started out tiny; plumage that resembled a hedgehog, eyes closed, and large mouths always gaping (which stimulates the mother to instinctively feed them. I followed the chick through the slow development of more mature plumage, the eventual opening of the eyes, and later the frequent exercising of the wings. As the chicks grew rapidly, the nest became very cramped.

Best of all, this was repeated two more times. Although I can't prove it, I am convinced that it was the same female hummer all three times that returned, refurbished the nest, and repeated the egg-laying and the exhausting task of feeding chicks. One time ended in tragedy - some predator got at the eggs while mama hummer was out gathering food. But the other time was successful. I even got to see mama fly off, leading her chicks on their maiden flight as they set out on their independent lives.

Watching and photographing this process is the most profound and awe-inspiring experience in my years of photographic efforts.

I considered re-posting all the photos from WC, but decided to start by finding one of those old photos that I had not posted before. So here is a shot (from the Spring of 2018, I believe) of the chicks in the nest. Their plumage is about hallway along in becoming mature, but you can see some of the remaining hedgehog-like bristles on their heads. Their eyes have been open for a few days at this point. They are no longer ugly, and are very close to becoming quite cute.

   

If you folks want want me to re-post some of the many I posted on WC, just let me know.

[Rich]

Dave, a very interesting story on the hummers. I do remember the story but the photos not so much We have a new audience here so go ahead and repost.

Their heads do resemble a hedgehog covering and they are cramped!


Here is another photo from a different angle of the concert. I have uploaded a video if you are interested in what they sound like.


(69) Tri Tones August 2022 - YouTube

[Luv2shoot]

Hi Guys,
Well, our out-of-town guests arrived safely from CA.  The original non-stop trip was canceled and they had a three-hour layover in Atlanta.  They were so tired when they arrived.  They departed 10:45 PM, CA time and arrived 11:00 AM our time.  I really felt bad for them.  We have activities planned for them this week and I will personally be taking them to Stahl's Automotive and the Henry Ford Museum.  After I explained some of the attractions, they sound pretty excited about the idea.

Dave, I don't think we ever saw that image.  They look cozy and comfortable in their teeny tiny nest.  That is a great capture.  When in doubt, go the archive route.  I know you enjoyed recording the birth process from start to finish. 

Rich, Wow, you don't usually see that much brass in a band.  They are just youngsters too.  I loved how you captured the toe-tapping activity of the gal in front of you. Thanks for sharing the video, that was fun to watch.  I enjoyed seeing the close-ups of the individual musicians too. 

Our photo club walked through the downtown headquarters on our photo stroll last Tuesday.  I actually was never a big fan of the corvette until the recent designs were unveiled.  I think that is one hot-looking automobile.

[Rich]

Lorell, glad they got there OK although at a snails pace. WoW, I am not going to fly until things straighten out. They will enjoy the Museum for sure!

Thanks for looking at the video. I didn't know if I should shoot the toe tapper but it looks OK.

That is a hot Corvette for sure! Nice presentation! Your manip or museums display?

[Dreamin]

Love the hummers, Dave. So cute! I am still jealous theat you had them in your yard!!! I never get tired of seeing images of them. I remember your posts from way back.

Rich, I, too, enjoyed viewing your video, and the toe tapping was a favorite part! They sounded pretty good!!

Lorell, that's some car! And the background is great!! I can't quite figure out what I am looking at....a mural or a real building? This shot is poster or magazine cover quality for sure! Sorry about your friends travel woes....glad I am not traveling....too much stress involved!

[Man From Ironbark]

Looks like Corvette have been reading from Lamborghini's book.

Loved Dave's birdy shot. I do remember seeing quite a few shots of hummingbirds at the nest by Dave at WC. Don't remember if this was one of them.

Her's a birdy found in my backyard. A female red-rump or grass parrot.



and the male. Though not as sharp.

[Luv2shoot]

That was my manip. I think I may make some changes though. I will leave the background as is, but replace the car with a brighter and sharper very white car.
Thanks for your comments.

Hi, Peter, I like the sweet little parrot You are lucky to be able to capture such sweet and unique birds.

[damar]

That is a great photo of the baby hummingbirds, Dave!
All tucked in nice and cozy like!
What a cool experience you had too.

Hi Rich!
The Tri Tones did pretty good!
I like your video!
Tapping foot: yup!
Our town has a nice amphitheater and open air grounds for gathers like this and we never
hear of anything going on except the annual end of summer festival.
It would help if we had a newspaper or somewhere online where we could see local events.

Wow Lorell, that is a cool finish on your
corvette photo!
Know what catches my eye? The "General Motors" sign in the background.
That was a perfect finishing touch to the composition.

Hi MFIB,
I would never tire of seeing little wild parrots in my backyard.
Lucky you! Nice to see them NOT in a per store.