The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a stunning bird with vibrant colors and fast, acrobatic flight, primarily found in North America. In this blog post, I will share my experience photographing this magnificent bird in flight in my yard in Arkansas, along with unique information on this species.
Did you know that the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has the fastest wingbeat of any bird species, flapping its wings up to 80 times per second? This incredible feat allows them to hover in mid-air and fly backward with precision and speed.
To capture this shot, I used a Canon EOS R5 camera with an RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens, providing me the ability to zoom in and get close without disturbing the bird. Manual exposure mode, with an aperture of f8, a shutter speed of 1/3200, and ISO of 1600 (auto) allowed me to freeze the action of the bird in flight and capture it in crisp detail.
The photo was taken on July 10, 2022, at 09:26 A.M, with bright sunlight illuminating the bird, giving it a radiant look. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird was perched on one of my hummingbird feeders, and I captured it as it took off in flight.
In conclusion, photographing the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in flight is a rewarding experience. With the right gear and settings, you can capture the beauty and grace of this species in stunning detail. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting out, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won’t be disappointed!