Hummingbirds Preparing for Fall Migration

  

Hummingbird Action with Ariel Displays and Mid-air Dueling

Suddenly late one afternoon in August of 2014 I noticed a larger number of hummingbirds coming to the feeder closest to my house.  As I stopped to watch the birds, I also observed that they were showing much more aggressive behavior by chasing, diving and coming very close toward each other.   The following day, I put out an additional feeder on a hanger where it was protected from the hot afternoon sun. 

Since there was so much action at both of the feeders, I decided to try and get some photos before the sunlight dropped too low.  I set up the tripod with a Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 lens on my camera to crop in on the action as tight as possible.  After metering the light, I wanted to go with the fastest shutter speed that would also allow for the most depth of field, so I selected Aperture Mode at f/8 with 400 ISO which gave me a 1/1250 second shutter speed. 

When I processed my first run of photos, I was a bit shocked at how dangerous the antics of these hummingbirds appeared, almost like they were fencing and using their long beaks as foils.  

Checking on the Internet, I learned that the birds use this aggressive behavior for defending nests and prime feeding territories.  The aggressive behavior becomes worse in late summer as the birds are preparing for fall migration.  Apparently, a new group of hummingbirds were doing a stop-over at my feeder and the local residents were not welcoming the new arrivals.  

Most of the hummingbirds that summer here at Walker Lake are Broad-tails, a medium sized bird, inhabiting subalpine meadows throughout the western U.S.

I was surprised to see a few Black-chinned hummingbirds that I had not noticed at the feeders until now. 

 Typically, the Black-chinned is found more in the Northwestern U.S. and British Columbia.  

The camera catches an angry Black-chinned diving at a Broad-tailed hummingbird.  The dive is used as a threat to an intruder, whether it is another hummingbird, an animal or a human.  Flying up high above the intruder, the hummer may then dive straight down while making a share chirping sound from its tail feathers at the base of the dive. 

 A show of size and strength is used by dueling hummingbirds as wings are raised and tail feathers are flared. 

Angry hummingbirds have been known to lock beaks and spin in circles sometimes using their beaks and claws as weapons.  This heightened aggression can result in injuries or even death.  Fortunately so far the feuds at my feeders have just been the Ariel displays with maybe a downed feather.  

Humans are advised not to interfere with the hummingbird's behavior and allow them to work things out as nature intended.  Putting out additional feeders is about the only recourse.

 Well, after several days life at my feeders returned to status quo and the large group of hummingbirds moved on.  However there are still many days left before October arrives and the last stragglers bid a bitter sweet farewell. 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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