Sunday, April 22, 2012

Anna's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'24/2011.
In all three of my visits to the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, AZ, Anna's Hummingbirds were in full force. They are one of the few North american Hummingbirds that can be found year round within the borders of the U.S. Most Hummingbirds will migrate into mexico and South America during the winter months. Anna's can be found along the entiore Pacific Coast from the Baja all the way up to British Columbia. So chances are pretty good that if you see a Hummingbird from November through February, it's an Anna's Hummingbird.

Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'26/2011.
The angle of the sun as it reflects off an Anna's Hummingbird, will illuminate what color you will see on its throat and face. (Above) the Anna's face and throat look black. However, (Below) when the sun is at a different angle, the same bird's crown and throat appear rosy.

Anna's Hummingbird showing off its rosy gorget and crown, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'24/2011.

Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'24/2011.
In the photo (Above), the Anna's nape appears red, but the rest of its head appears black.

Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'26/2011.
Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'26/2011.
Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'26/2011.
Anna's Hummingbird, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/'24/2011.
All of the photos on this post are of male Anna's Hummingbirds. Females lack the full color on the gorget and crown and have a green crown, white face and small red patch on their throats.

1 comment:

~Val said...

The color change in the light is always such a nice surprise.