Magnificent Hummingbird
November 26, 2004
Slidell, LA
This is Louisiana’s first record for Magnificent Hummingbird. It was first identified by the homeowner in mid November and visits the feeder on their porch on a daily basis. However, it is often many hours between visits. Visitors are allowed but on a controlled basis to protect the home owner’s privacy.
I arrived the Friday after Thanksgiving and waited from 6:45 to 7:45 before being joined by Dr. Joe Turner who arrived to attempt a photograph of the difficult subject. It was a pleasure visiting with Joe and watching him set up his photography gear on the porch. I sat in my lawn chair away from the house and watched as Joe succeeded in getting some outstanding photographs. His pictures can be seen on his web site at the link below:
The Magnificent Hummingbird came in for two feedings between 8:30 and 9:30. Between feedings it sat in a large wax myrtle tree in the yard and allowed me to shoot a few photographs through my scope. Below are a couple of the pictures. I did brighten and increase contrast in order to see the details of the images. The colors are as recorded and differ because of changing sun light.
Click on thumbnail for larger image: