Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ah, the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird—what a beauty. Early in the season, the males arrive first, making brief but energetic visits to the flower garden before beginning their early migration, often by mid-August. This fellow paused just long enough among the zinnias to capture a frame or two, a perfect moment made possible by modern autofocus technology.
Did you know?
The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird gets its name from the iridescent feathers on its throat, known as the gorget, which reflect sunlight at different angles. Despite their jewel-like appearance, these colors are an optical illusion—the feather pigments themselves are black, brown, and reddish-brown, with color created by light refraction. (Source: Hummingbird-guide.com)
