Arizona Photography

 August is the month when we see the most hummingbirds at Ash Canyon, and the most different hummingbird species.  The increase in hummingbird activity since my last visit was astounding.  Hummers were everywhere, flying all over the yard and chasing each other, whether aggressively or playfully.  One female Rufous would hide in a tree about 6-8 feet above a particular feeder and dive bomb any bird that approached "her" feeder. Broad-billed (M) Broad-billed (M) Black-chinned (M) Black-chinned (M) Black-chinned (F) Anna's (M) Anna's (F) Rufous (F) Rufous (F) Acorn Woodpecker (F) Lesser Goldfinch (F) Lesser Goldfinch (M) Gambel's Quail (M) Gambel's Quail (F) Rock Squirrel House Finch (M) House Finches (F)

 With so many Hummingbirds at the sanctuary right now, my main goal for this day was to get good shots of a variety of species, both in flight and on natural perches, rather than feeders.  I also wanted to get photos with good backgrounds, rather than those cluttered with branches or man-made objects.  I think I was somewhat successful, although there is always room for improvement. Broad-tailed (F)   Broad-billed (M) Broad-billed (M) Lesser Goldfinch (F) Brown-headed Cowbird (M) Luicifer (M) Lucifer (M) White-winged Dove Acorn Woodpecker (M) Broad-billed (F) Rufous (M) Rufous (F) Rufous (F) House Finch (M) House Finch (F) Mexican Jay Anna's (M) Anna's (F) Black-chinned (M) A Hooded Oriole (M) was having a quiet lunch when a Brown-headed Cowbird (F) decided to interrupt the party, causing the Oriole to drop its meal.