In the United States, 15 April is traditionally the deadline for submitting one's income tax forms/payments to the government.  Oddly enough, it also has become the near-official arrival date of hummingbirds in northern New Mexico.  And while living in Taos County, we began looking for these amazing creatures at the beginning of April, hanging a feeder even as temperatures dipped well below freezing, in which case, we would bring the feeder into the garage.  The first type of hummingbird to arrive was the broad-tailed hummer.  We knew because the male "scouts" arrive first, their wings making what is described as a metallic or cricket-like trill.  It is unlike anything else in nature, and when you hear it, you will know. However, considering the thousands of photographs I took while living there, I have none of the broad-tailed hummingbird with its fuchsia-colored throat.  

The black-chinned hummingbird is the next to arrive in the northern part of the state.  Even if they have to remain in stasis during a spring snow storm, as were the ones shown below.  They were just starting to awaken.  I took advantage of the situation to shoot some images.

hummingbird collection for blog 1

hummingbird collection for blog 2

In flight, as all hummingbirds are, they are mind-boggling machines.  According to hummingbirdcentral.com, New Mexico has broad-tailed and black-chinned currently in residence short of an Anna's and two rufous sightings near Las Cruces.  They winter in the Seattle area, so it is no surprise they are not residents in New Mexico.  From Houston to Chicago and Florida to New York, the entire map is covered with Anna's hummingbird sightings.  No photographs of those either but the black-chinned keep us company.    

hummingbird collection for blog 4

hummingbird collection for blog 3

The great majority of photographs I shot over 20 summers were rufous.  They usually arrived in July, creating chaos at the four one-quart bird feeders we hung every year.  It made the aerial circus that much more interesting.  

hummingbird collection for blog 7

hummingbird collection for blog 6

hummingbird collection for blog 5

There is a reason they are called rufous which means reddish-brown in color, but sometimes the males are day-glow orange, as is the dude below.

hummingbird collection for blog 8

Looking at the map in Hummingbird Central, it appears there are hummers almost everywhere in the United States right now, so I hope you see or hear one speeding by in your neighborhood soon.  Many in the world have never seen one, and when they do for the first time, the fascination is endless.  May it be that way for you upon seeing the first one of the season!

Thanks for Louise, Tim, Jean & Sam, Carol M., Lawrence, Barbara F. R., Victoria, Steve, and Tomas for commenting on last week's blog.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@