Photographing wildlife in their natural habitat is a true privilege, and capturing the grace and beauty of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah is a truly special experience. In this blog post, I will share my experience of photographing this magnificent bird.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in the western United States and Mexico. These small birds are known for their distinctive broad tails, iridescent plumage, and their aerial acrobatics.
For this particular photograph, I set up my camera and lens on a beanbag draped over the rolled-down window of my vehicle. My friend Mia McPherson was my driver and guide, and she was the one who spotted the Broad-tailed Hummingbird as it was feeding from a wildflower. The use of a beanbag was crucial in this scenario as it helped to steady my camera and lens, ensuring that the image was sharp and free from blur. The soft material of the beanbag also helps absorb any vibrations or movements, making it an essential tool for wildlife photography.
As I watched the Broad-tailed Hummingbird feed, I patiently waited for the perfect moment to capture its behavior. It was fascinating to see how it would dart back and forth, hovering in place as it fed. It was during one of these moments that I was able to capture a stunning image of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird with its beak dipped into the flower.
The Wasatch Mountains of Utah are a beautiful and diverse natural habitat that is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it an ideal location for wildlife photography. From majestic elk to graceful hummingbirds, there is always something to see and photograph. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is just one of the many fascinating wildlife species that can be found in this area.
In conclusion, photographing a Broad-tailed Hummingbird feeding in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah was a truly special experience. Capturing the grace and beauty of this magnificent bird in its natural habitat is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world. The thrill of capturing these images, combined with the breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch Mountains, makes this a moment that I will always cherish.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF 800 mm f/11 IS STM
Technical:
- Location: Wasatch Mountains (Utah)
- Date and Time Taken: June 2, 2022 (10:26 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 and 1600 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: 0 and -0.7
- Focal Length: 800 mm (Fixed)