Love to photograph (or attempt to) hummingbirds. When they perch, often it is in secluded, dark areas. Tough to get these tiny birds exposed well. On the other hand, when they are flying, the problems with photographing them multiply. This is one of my favorite species of hummingbirds-a Black-crested Coquette. These pictures were taken in Tapir Valley, Costa Rica, a restored wildlife reserve. It was once a dairy farm; all the trees and flowers were gone. About 15 years ago the land was purchased by a few local people concerned about the degradation of the forest around them. They have spent the 15 years planting and allowing a second growth forest to emerge. Their efforts are obvious when you step onto the reserve.
Flowers, birds, frogs, mammals everywhere. A true paradise.
These pictures were shot with a Canon R5 with a 600 mm f/4.0 lens mounted on a tripod. F/5.6, SS 1/2000 and ISO of 5000.