K. Hummingbirds – SouthWestScenics

Magnificent 544-06: Madera Canyon, Arizona

Introduction

Over 15 species of hummingbirds are found in Arizona, where many winter in Mexico or central America. Some species migrate as far north as Canada and southern Alaska, following the spring flowers as they bloom along the spines of mountain ranges. Some of these images were taken at hummingbird photo-workshops in the southeastern Arizona locations of Madera and Ash Canyons, as well as Portal. Other images were taken at a photo-workshop in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada (the end of the northern migration for three species that travel together: black-chinned, calliope, and rufous). These are all high-speed flash images, where flash durations were typically from 1/2000 to 1/2500 of a second: hence the stopped wing motion. In general, the males for each species are more easily recognized, than the less colorful, but better camouflaged females. The male version of each species is shown, unless otherwise labeled. These birds are quite small: the largest shown is the magnificent which is approximately 5″ long. The smallest bird in North America is the calliope, which measures approximately 2″ to 3″. A good hummingbird reference is: Steve N. G. Howell, “Hummingbirds of North America” (Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ (2003)).

Prints of these tiny birds are recommended to be on glossy papers and small (no larger than 6″ x 6″), so that the bird is life-size.