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Hummingbird at Feeder Video
by Jim White

By James & Ruth White

We set out our hummingbird feeders in the beginning of May, 2010 in anticipation for the first hummingbird sighting of the Spring. In this area of the country, Vermont, we expect to see the arrival of the first hummingbirds close to mid May. The only species in Vermont is the Ruby-throated hummingbird.

It was a rainy day which is much to our advantage since hummingbirds will frequent feeders more often on rainy days because flower blossoms are closed expecially at this time of year. After seeing this little guy's presence for the first time I knew it would be a great video opportunity in these weather conditions.

I set up the tripod with the video camera on our back porch where this feeder was hung. I zoomed the camera to this particular feeding port which he seemed to use persistantly, hit the record button and went inside to view the recording through a window. I assumed it would take a while before he would show up, on the contrary, I barely got inside and he flew in for this video opp.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird gets his name from his brillant red patch at the throat which can only be seen in the light when it reflects sunlight. Since it was a gray, rainy day with poor lighting and a roof over the porch, the brillant irredescent ruby throat is not visible.

James & Ruth White

James and Ruth White are Certified Hummingbird Habitat stewards with the International Hummingbird Society, specializing in backyard hummingbird care, behavior, and conservation. With 45+ years of hands-on experience, they have cared for over 1,000 hummingbirds, built two large perennial gardens, and support a community of 30,000+ subscribers through hummingbird-guide.com, their widely followed migration map, and active social channels. They observe hummingbirds daily across 12 home feeders and document their behavior through photography and video.