In the front desert-style yard, of my parents’ Arizona house, there’s a tree. One of the first days I was there, I spotted a small, green bird perched on one of the very top, very small branches. Using my telephoto lens, I got a closer look and confirmed my initial impression that this was a hummingbird. It’s so unusual to see a hummingbird at rest that I could scarcely believe it. Day after day, there it was, perched, if not on the same branch, on one in the general vicinity. Our supposition was that there must be a nest hidden somewhere in that tree and even though the branches and foliage of the tree aren’t thick, I doubt a hummingbird nest is very large and I never spotted it. Truthfully, I didn’t look all that closely, just enjoyed spotting this colorful character day after day.
I tried to identify it and my best guess is that it’s a Berylline hummingbird. Take a look if you like and see what you think. If you can confirm (or deny) that guess, chime right in. Naturally, if you deny, I’d love to hear what type you think it is. But no matter the name, it’s a little beauty shown, in this photo, with a few ruffled feathers. Hey, we all have days when our feathers get a little ruffled. Doesn’t make us bad birds!
This, that and the other thing 
So cute!
I thought so, too, Lena.
janet
It does look a bit ruffled, frayed at the edges even!
Maybe it’s the effort of moving its wings so quickly the rest of the day. 🙂
janet
Maybe!!
They’re gorgeous little birds and you’re very lucky to have one posing for you.
I’ve been fortunate to have gotten a few shots of hummingbirds in action, but they seem to mostly be “poetry in motion” rather than relaxing. That made this catch enjoyable.
janet
I think your photo is the first one I’ve seen of a Hummingbird just sitting.
Me, too. 🙂
janet
Great shot.
Thanks very much, Su. Hope you’re having a great weekend.
janet
Perhaps if the shadows were brought out in post processing that would help me guess. Do you have any other images.? Can you describe details such as head, tail, bill, and wing color/pattern? What part of Arizona? This page lists some https://www.beautyofbirds.com/hummingbirdsarizona.html
I did use that site, which led me to the one to which I linked. I’ll check my other images, but as it was always this far away, most of them are very similar.
janet
What an incredible stroke of good fortune! Beautiful bird. Fantastic shot!!
Julie, it was fun to see it there every day. Just glad I had my Nikon and telephoto or I would have been very frustrated!
janet
I know that feeling — wishing you had your camera!!
I have my phone with me all the time, but sometimes even its great camera isn’t enough. And I hate when I’m driving and I see a perfect shot, but there’s no way I can stop!!!
Beautiful, but since it is Valentine’s Day weekend maybe he just needs a sweet treat to calm his feathers. 🙂
Very romantic, Judy, but this was the end of January. 🙂 However, he’s probably still there, so who knows?
janet
Very colorful, Janet. The vignetting really helps to tie the colors together.
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I find the vignette is very versatile and often just enough to feel like a frame, and give that effect, without actually being one. I still really only use Picasa 3 and I know I should invest in Lightroom or Photoshop, but I don’t really know which would be best and have been just doing nothing about it. 🙂
Macphun and Pixlr are less expensive alternatives. Pixlr (by Autodesk) offers a yearly fee and keeps the software updated throughout the year. Macphun is a one-time purchase, and updated regularly.
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Thanks, Mr. App Man. Much appreciated. I’ll take a look at these. Do you use one of them or both?
I use both at various times. I hear good things about Lightroom for the PC.
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I see Macphun is for Macs, so I’ll look at Pixlr.
Great photo. I love it when they sit close to the edge and high in the tree.
Thanks, Dan. I don’t see enough here in Naperville, although I had one taunt me several times last summer. It would be hovering around our butterfly bush, but even if I moved slowly, by the time I’d get my camera, it would be gone. The bush is on the other side of a large window, so it could obviously see me.
janet
I often see hummingbirds take a break from searching for food in my garden. They are the most fascinating of birds.
Sally, I imagine they’d need to rest after the effort of moving their wings so fast for so long! I agree; they are fascinating. Stay warm this weekend.
janet
I don’t know enough about these birds, or any for that matter to confirm it is the species you mentioned, but it is a beautiful one, for sure, and love the photo here. Also, I can sure relate to not getting “our feathers ruffled”. 🙂 The important thing is not to loose our feathers entirely over it when they become ruffled, but rather smooth them out before they expose the worst in us. 🙂
Very true, Joyce. Often what ruffles our feathers isn’t that important anyway. Have a great weekend.
janet
Thank you, Janet. You too, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
I always feel so lucky when I see a hummingbird! I think it’s a good sign.
I always enjoy seeing one, too, Justine. Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment.
janet
Oh, how lucky you are! And the shot is gorgeous! I have never seen one except in capture.
It’s wonderful to see them, in action or at rest. I hope you get the chance one day.
janet
Me too.
Great photo, Janet.
Thanks!
We have many wonderful birds in Australia, but miss out on hummingbirds. Some of our little honeyeaters will hover but not a patch on your hummingbirds. I’ve just had a read about this one of yours and think it is most likely a female or immature bird as it has the white patch on the throat. The mature males pictured all have those gorgeous green feathers all the way down the chest. A lovely sight and I can understand the thrill. 🙂
Hummingbirds are real beauties, that’s for sure, Christine.
janet
Such a lovely capture! Last year when I was in Phoenix, I was excited to see hummingbirds especially when one just perched on a branch for a minute or two. My pictures are a little dark but I will have to dig them up and take a look at them again.